Spathe (?), n. [L. spatha, Gr. : cf. F. spathe. See Spade for digging.] Bot.

A special involucre formed of one leaf and inclosing a spadix, as in aroid plants and palms. See the Note under Bract, and Illust. of Spadix.

⇒ The name is also given to the several-leaved involucre of the iris and other similar plants.

 

© Webster 1913.

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