Gladiolus

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /É¡lædɪˈəʊlÉ™s/
• US IPA: /É¡lædɪˈoÊŠlÉ™s/

Origin

From Latin gladiolus ("little sword, sword lily"), diminutive of gladius ("sword").

Noun

1. (anatomy) The center part of the sternum.
2. Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Gladiolus, having sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers on spikes; gladiola.
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Hester Earle and Violet Wayne were moving about the aisle with bundles of wheat-ears and streamers of ivy, for the harvest thanksgiving was shortly to be celebrated, while the vicar stood waiting for their directions on the chancel steps with a great handful of crimson gladioli.

Related terms

• gladiator