la·bel·lum (l -b l m)n. pl. la·bel·la (-b l) 1. The often enlarged petal of an orchid flower. 2. A liplike part, such as the tip of the proboscis of various insects, used for lapping up liquids. [Latin, diminutive of labrum, lip; see leb- in Indo-European roots.] la·bel late (- t) adj. |
labellum [ləˈbɛləm]
n pl -la [-lə]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) the part of the corolla of certain plants, esp orchids, that forms a distinct, often lobed, lip
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a lobe at the tip of the proboscis of a fly
[New Latin, diminutive of Latin labrum lip]
labelloid adj
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