Definitions (2)

-mature size (M.S.)
Plants reach maturity and capable to flower within a year.
-medium
The material in which an orchid is container-grown; it may be organic, such as fir bark, or inorganic, such as lava rock.
-mericlone
A plant derived from tissue culture and that is identical to its parent.
-monopodial
Orchids that grow upward from a single stem, producing both leaves and flowers along that stem.
-near mature size (N.M.S.)
Plants almost reach maturity, but require 12-18 months to flower.
-node
A joint on a stem or pseudobulb from which a leaf or growth originates.
-panicle
An inflorescence with a main stem and branches, the flowers on the lower branches open earlier than the upper ones.
-photosynthesis
The process a plant uses to produce carbohydrates and sugar from water and carbon dioxide in the air using chlorophyl-containing cells exposed to light.
-pseudobulb
A thickened portion of the stem of many orchids functioning as a water and food storage device.
-raceme
An unbranched inflorescence of stalked flowers.
-rhizome
A root-bearing stem of sympodial orchids that progressively sends up leafy shoots.
-scape
An unbranched inflorescence with one flower.
-seedling size (S.S.)
Young plants, need at least 24 months or more to reach maturity.
-sheath
A modified leaf that encloses an emerging inflorescence or leaf.
-species
A kind of plant that is distinct from other plants.
-spike
An unbranched inflorescence of unstalked flowers.
-stolon
A branch that grows horizontally above the medium and produces roots and shoots at the nodes.
-stomata
The breathing pores on the surface of a plant's leaves.
-sympodial
Orchids which grow laterally and produce leafy growths along a rhizome.
-terrestrial
Growing on the ground and supported by soil.
-unifoliate
Having one leaf.
-velamen
The thick sponge-like covering of the roots of epiphytic orchids that helps prevent water loss and aids in absorption.
-virus
A type of infectious agent, much smaller than common microorganisms, several forms of which affect certain kinds of orchids.

sources: orchids.com