'Aplectrum' originates from New Latin (botanical), specifically the word 'Aplectrum', where the element 'a-' comes from Greek formative usage and 'plektron' (πλῆκτρον) meant 'a pick or instrument for plucking'.

'Aplectrum' was coined in modern botanical Latin (19th century) from the Greek-derived components 'a- + plektron'; it was adopted as a genus name for certain terrestrial orchids and is distinct from the common noun 'plectrum' meaning a small pick.

Initially the Greek root referred to a plucking instrument ('a pick'), but in modern usage the word denotes the orchid genus 'Aplectrum'.