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Glite Dictionary
lady-slipper

lady-slipper

9.9
A wild orchid with a large pouch-shaped lower petal like a slipper
  • noun
  • /ˈleɪdiˌslɪpər/
translation icon : zapato de dama
  • We spotted a rare lady-slipper blooming along the forest trail.

Examples

  • The lady-slipper is a beautiful orchid.

  • Attempts to grow lady-slipper orchids in the garden have often failed.

  • The lady-slipper is admired for its unique, slipper-shaped flower.

  • I saw a rare lady-slipper in the garden.

  • The rare pink lady-slipper orchid thrives in the forest, attracting nature enthusiasts.

  • During our hike, we spotted a beautiful lady-slipper blooming beside the trail.

  • The conservation group is working hard to protect the lady-slipper orchids in the wetlands.

Synonyms

lady's slipper
vslady-slipper
  • US
30 9.8

A North American wildflower with a slipper-shaped lower petal

covers the same plants but with a wider Eurasian presence
slipper orchid
vslady-slipper
1 9.2

A wild orchid with a pouch-shaped lower petal that is hard to grow in gardens

is seen across North America and Eurasia rather than only America
lady slipper
vslady-slipper
  • Specialized
9.9

A wild North American orchid with a pouch-shaped lower petal that is hard to grow in gardens

includes Eurasia too and so has a broader natural range
lady's-slipper
vslady-slipper
  • US
9.6

A wildflower with a pouch-shaped lower petal that grows in shaded woods

uses a broader term including Eurasia as well as North America
ladies' slipper
vslady-slipper
  • US
9.0

A wild orchid that has a pouch-shaped lower petal like a small shoe

also grows in Eurasia, not only in North America

Surface Forms

lady-slipper singular
lady-slippers plural

Morphology

lady-slipper = lady + slipper (semi-transparent) = lady + slipper

The name is a compound likening the flower's pouchlike lip to a lady's slipper; components are clear but the botanical sense is a specialized metaphor.

Etymology

Lady-slipper comes from the flower's pouch that looks like a small slipper, like a 'shoe' for a lady. That's why the name helps you remember this orchid: its big pouch looks like a tiny slipper.