1 velamen | Definition of velamen
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

velamen

noun
ve·​la·​men | \ və-ˈlā-mən How to pronounce velamen (audio) \
plural velamina\ və-​ˈla-​mə-​nə How to pronounce velamina (audio) \

Definition of velamen

: the thick corky epidermis of aerial roots of an epiphytic orchid that absorbs water from the atmosphere

First Known Use of velamen

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for velamen

short for New Latin vēlāmen rādicum, literally, "covering of the roots"; Latin vēlāmen "covering," from vēlāre "to cover, clothe" (verbal derivative of vēlum "awning, curtain") + -men, suffix of result — more at veil entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on velamen

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with velamen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about velamen

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!

×

You're never
too cool to learn something new.

Sign up for our Word of the Day
daily newsletter!

No thanks, maybe later.