(n)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.sword lily, glad, gladiola
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 ]