- any of a genus (Philodendron) of tropical American vines of the arum family, often with leathery, heart-shaped leaves, used commonly as a houseplant
- loosely any similar plant
Origin of philodendronModern Latin ; from neuter of Classical Greek philodendros, loving trees ; from philos, loving + dendron, tree
nounpl. phil·o·den·drons or phil·o·den·dra
Origin of philodendronNew Latin Philodendron, genus name, from Greek, neuter of philodendros, fond of trees (from the fact that in its tropical American habitat it twines around trees) : philo-, philo- + dendron, tree; see deru- in Indo-European roots.
(plural philodendrons or philodendra)
From New Latin, from Ancient Greek, neuter of [script?] (philodendros, “loving trees") First Known Use: 1877