philodendron

[ fil-uh-den-druh n ]
/ ˌfɪl əˈdɛn drən /

noun

a tropical American climbing plant belonging to the genus Philodendron, of the arum family, usually having smooth, shiny, evergreen leaves, often used as an ornamental houseplant.

Origin of philodendron

1875–80; < New Latin < Greek, noun use of neuter of philódendros fond of trees, in reference to its climbing habit. See philo-, -dendron

Words nearby philodendron

phillumenist, philly, philo judaeus, philo-, philoctetes, philodendron, philography, philogyny, philol., philologian, philology

British Dictionary definitions for philodendron

philodendron
/ (ˌfɪləˈdɛndrən) /

noun plural -drons or -dra (-drə)

any aroid evergreen climbing plant of the tropical American genus Philodendron: cultivated as house plants

Word Origin for philodendron

C19: New Latin from Greek: lover of trees