Gladiolus

views updated May 29 2018

Gladiolus (family Iridaceae) A genus of herbs produced from corms, which have showy, irregular flowers, each enclosed in its own spathe on the spike-like inflorescence. There are some 180 species, in Europe, Asia, and Africa; African species are those most grown in gardens.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

gladiolus

views updated May 23 2018

glad·i·o·lus / ˌgladēˈōləs/ • n. (pl. gladioli / -lī/ or gladioluses) a widely cultivated plant (genus Gladiolus) of the iris family, with sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brightly colored flowers.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

gladiolus

views updated May 21 2018

gladiolus Genus of c.250 species of perennial flowering plants native to Europe and Africa but cultivated widely. A gladiolus passes the dry season as a corm, which sprouts in spring to produce a spike of funnel-shaped flowers and tall, lance-shaped leaves. Height: to 0.91m (3ft). Family Iridaceae.

World Encyclopedia

gladiolus

views updated Jun 08 2018

gladiolus (glad-i-oh-lŭs) n. the middle and largest segment of the sternum.

A Dictionary of Nursing

gladiolus

views updated Jun 27 2018

gladiolus XVI. — L., dim. of gladius sword.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

Gladioli

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like