gladiolus
n 1: any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus native
chiefly to tropical and South Africa having sword-shaped
leaves and one-sided spikes of brightly colored funnel-
shaped flowers; widely cultivated [syn: {gladiolus},
{gladiola}, {glad}, {sword lily}]
2: the large central part of the breastbone [syn: {gladiolus},
{corpus sternum}]
Gladiolus \Gla*di"o*lus\, n.; pl. L. {Gladioli}, E.
{Gladioluses}. [L. See {Gladiole}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Bot.) A genus of plants having bulbous roots and gladiate
leaves, and including many species, some of which are
cultivated and valued for the beauty of their flowers; the
corn flag; the sword lily.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.) The middle portion of the sternum in some animals;
the mesosternum.
[1913 Webster]