labellum

[ luh-bel-uhm ]

/ ləˈbɛl əm /

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noun, plural la·bel·la

[luh-bel-uh]. /ləˈbɛl ə/. Botany.

the petal of an orchid that differs more or less markedly from the other petals, often forming the most conspicuous part; the lip.

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Origin of labellum

1820–30; <Latin, diminutive of labrum lip; for formation see castellum

OTHER WORDS FROM labellum

la·bel·loid, adjective

Words nearby labellum

labefaction, label, labeled bracketing, La Belle Dame Sans Merci, labellist, labellum, labetalol, labia, labial, labialism, labialize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use labellum in a sentence

Harrisoniae in colour and size of sepal and petal; in general shape and in the hues of the labellum after L. purpurata.
The Woodlands Orchids|Frederick Boyle
Certainly, if I may trust the vessels, the simple labellum of Gymnadenia consists of three organs soldered together.
More Letters of Charles Darwin Volume II|Charles Darwin
My case of the Aceras with the aborted labellum squeezed against stigma supports your view.
More Letters of Charles Darwin Volume II|Charles Darwin
I am still more pleased that I was right about insects gnawing the fleshy labellum.
More Letters of Charles Darwin Volume II|Charles Darwin

This is important, as it explains all the astounding projections on the labellum of Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, etc.
More Letters of Charles Darwin Volume II|Charles Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for labellum

labellum

/ (ləˈbɛləm) /

noun plural -la (-lə)

the part of the corolla of certain plants, esp orchids, that forms a distinct, often lobed, lip

a lobe at the tip of the proboscis of a fly

Derived forms of labellum

labelloid, adjective

Word Origin for labellum

C19: New Latin, diminutive of Latin labrum lip

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012