maltese cross n 1: Eurasian garden perennial having scarlet flowers in dense terminal heads [syn: {scarlet lychnis}, {maltese cross}, {Lychins chalcedonica}] 2: a cross with triangular or arrow-shaped arms and the points toward the center
maltese cross \maltese cross\ n. (Bot.) A Eurasian garden perennial ({Lychins chalcedonica}) having scarlet flowers in dense terminal heads. Syn: scarlet lychnis, {Lychins chalcedonica}. [WordNet 1.5] 2. A cross with triangular or arrow-shaped arms and the points toward the center. See illustration under {cross}. [WordNet 1.5]
Maltese \Mal*tese"\ (m[add]l*t[=e]s" or m[add]l*t[=e]z"), prop. a. Of or pertaining to Malta or to its inhabitants. -- n. sing. & pl. A native or inhabitant of Malta; the people of Malta. [1913 Webster] {Maltese cross}. See Illust. 5, of {Cross}. {Maltese dog} (Zool.), a breed of small terriers, having long silky white hair. The breed originated in Malta. [1913 Webster]