Search Dictionary
Definition of indian pipe
indian pipe
Plural:Indian pipes
indian pipe Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A herbaceous perennial plant (Monotropa uniflora) native to temperate regions of North America, Asia, and northern South America, characterized by a complete lack of chlorophyll, a ghostly white appearance, and a parasitic relationship with soil fungi.
Example
"While hiking through the dark, mature forests of the Appalachian Mountains, the botanist spotted a small cluster of Indian pipe glowing pale against the leaf litter."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for indian pipe• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The plant derives its common name from its pale, waxy, curved appearance, which closely resembles the traditional white clay or peace pipes historically used by Native Americans.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Indian pipe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/indian pipe