Definition

1. 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

1. the large central part of the breastbone
2. 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