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Definition of moth orchid
moth orchid
Plural:moth orchids
moth orchid Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
An epiphytic flowering plant of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to Southeast Asia, India, and northern Australia, distinguished by its thick leaves and broad, showy petals that resemble a flying moth, widely cultivated as a popular indoor houseplant.
Example
"She carefully watered the white moth orchid blooming on her office desk, making sure not to saturate the roots."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for moth orchidWord Origin & Etymology
The common name describes the broad, flat shape of the flowers, which are thought to resemble moths in flight. This is a direct conceptual translation of its genus name, Phalaenopsis, derived from Ancient Greek 'phalaina' (moth) and 'opsis' (appearance).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Moth orchid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/moth orchid