cypripedium

[ sip-ruh-pee-dee-uh m ]

/ ˌsɪp rəˈpi di əm /

any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, comprising the lady's-slippers.

Origin of cypripedium

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Cypri(a) Venus + -pedi- -ped + -um neuter ending

The "column" (B) in the cypripedium is very distinctive, and from the front view is very non-committal.

My Studio Neighbors |William Hamilton Gibson
Presently he observed a flower—a Cypripedium; the shape could not be mistaken.

The Woodlands Orchids |Frederick Boyle
Every evening they brought in a load of orchids more or less valuable, but never Cypripedium Curtisii.

The Woodlands Orchids |Frederick Boyle
The botanical name of the flower is Cypripedium, taken from Greek words meaning the shoe of Venus.

The History of Minnesota and Tales of the Frontier |Charles E. Flandrau

Cypripedium acaule, moccasin-flower; ladies'-slipper; Venus's-slipper, 205.

My Studio Neighbors |William Hamilton Gibson

cypripedium

/ (ˌsɪprɪˈpiːdɪəm) /

any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip See also lady's-slipper

any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers

C18: from New Latin, from Latin Cypria the Cyprian, that is, Venus + pēs foot (that is, Venus' slipper)