Any orchid of the genus Phalaenopsis, the members of which have flat, spreading, brightly coloured petals suggestive of a moth, and are native especially to the Malay Peninsula; also called butterfly plant.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of moth orchid in US English:
moth orchid
noun
Any orchid of the genus Phalaenopsis, the members of which have flat, spreading, brightly coloured petals suggestive of a moth, and are native especially to the Malay Peninsula; also called butterfly plant.