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Definition of maxillaria

maxillaria

/ˌmæk.sɪˈlɛər.i.ə/
max · il · lar · i · a
Plural:maxillarias
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maxillaria Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any orchid of the genus Maxillaria, comprising numerous epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial orchids native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, characterized by a prominent jaw-like structure formed by the lip and column.

Example

"The conservatory's latest botanical exhibit featured a rare maxillaria, whose rich, maroon blossoms emanated a distinct scent of coconut."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for maxillaria

• Rhymes for maxillaria

• Nearby Words

maxi
maxidress
maxilla
maxillaria
maxim
maximal
maximalist

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Modern Latin genus name Maxillaria, which comes from the Latin 'maxilla' (jaw) and the suffix '-aria'. It was so named because the angle of the column and lip of the flower resembles the gaping jaws of an insect or animal.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maxillaria. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maxillaria
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