orchidelirium

English

Etymology

Blend of orchid +‎ delirium.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɔː.kɪ.dɪˈlɪ.ɹi.əm/

Noun

orchidelirium (uncountable)

  1. Synonym of orchidomania.
    • 2011, Christian Ziegler, Deceptive Beauties: The World of Wild Orchids, page 32:
      But it doesn't take a Freudian to discern a strong sexual subtext in the passion for these flowers, especially among men, who as any visit to an orchid show will tell you, suffer disproportionately from "orchidelirium" — the Victorians' term for the madness these flowers inspire.
    • 2015, Richard Mabey, The Cabaret of Plants: Botany and the Imagination:
      Orchidelirium accurately reflected the social values of the people rich enough to indulge in it.
    • 2018, Why Look at Plants?: The Botanical Emergence in Contemporary Art, page 27:
      Equally great was "Orchidelirium," the orchid craze that saw rare orchids being sold at London auctions for exorbitant prices.
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