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Glite Dictionary
genus Cattleya

genus Cattleya

9.6
A group of tropical American orchids with large showy flowers that people grow for decoration
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈkætliə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Cattleya
  • The genus Cattleya is often featured at international orchid exhibitions for its stunning variety.

Examples

  • Some species in the genus Cattleya are popular choices for corsages and floral arrangements.

  • Many collectors prize the delicate and vibrant flowers of the genus Cattleya.

  • The genus Cattleya includes many stunning varieties.

  • Many gardeners love the genus Cattleya for its vibrant blooms.

  • Many collectors prize the delicate and vibrant flowers of the genus Cattleya.

  • Some species in the genus Cattleya are popular choices for corsages and floral arrangements.

  • The genus Cattleya is often featured at international orchid exhibitions for its stunning variety.

Synonyms

cattleya
vsgenus Cattleya
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A tropical orchid plant with large, bright flowers often used in wedding corsages

is prized for many varieties and for cultivation as ornamental plants

Surface Forms

genus Cattleya singular
genera Cattleya plural

Morphology

genus + cattleya

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) + 'Cattleya' (the name of a group of orchids) yields a taxonomic group called Cattleya. Taxonomic naming is a transparent, cross-linguistic pattern, so a learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Genus Cattleya comes from William Cattley, an English gardener who helped grow the first showy tropical orchids in Europe. Because people linked his name to these bright flowers, they began to call the whole group Cattleya, so today the term means that group of beautiful orchids.