cypripedium

noun

cyp·​ri·​pe·​di·​um ˌsi-prə-ˈpē-dē-əm 

1

: any of a genus (Cypripedium) of Eurasian and North American terrestrial orchids having large usually showy drooping flowers with the lip inflated or pouched compare lady's slipper

2

: any of a genus (Paphiopedalum) of widely cultivated Asian orchids

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Late Latin Cypris, a name for Venus + -pedium (modification of Greek pedilon sandal)

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1