gladiolus
/,glædi'ouləs/
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Definition
- Noun:
- A plant of the iris family: A gladiolus is any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Gladiolus, characterized by tall stems, sword-shaped leaves, and spikes of large, brightly colored, funnel-shaped flowers.
- The large central section of the breastbone (sternum): In anatomy, the gladiolus is the body, or middle portion, of the sternum.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Plant):
- She planted gladiolus bulbs in the garden for a summer display.
- The vibrant red gladiolus stood out among the other flowers in the bouquet.
- Noun (Anatomy):
- The fracture was located in the gladiolus of the sternum.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: The term is often used in horticulture and botany to refer to the cultivated hybrids popular in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Gladiolus cultivation requires well-drained soil and full sun.
- Anatomical Context: Used specifically in medical and biological descriptions.
- The gladiolus articulates with the manubrium above and the xiphoid process below.
Variants and Related Words
- Gladioli: The more common plural form, especially for the plant.
- The field was full of colorful gladioli.
- Gladioluses: An accepted, though less common, plural form.
- Glad (informal): A common abbreviation for the flower in gardening contexts.
- I'm going to buy some glads for the vase.
Synonyms
- Sword lily: A common name for the gladiolus plant, referring to its sword-shaped leaves.
- Corn flag: An archaic name for certain gladiolus species.
Related Phrases
- Gladiolus corm: Refers to the bulb-like storage organ from which the plant grows.
- Plant the gladiolus corm about four inches deep.
Noun
- the large central part of the breastbone
- 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