Gladiola

/ɡlæˈdi.ə.lə/ noun

Definition

A flowering plant with tall spikes of colorful flowers and sword-shaped leaves, commonly grown as a garden plant.

Etymology

From Latin 'gladiolus' (meaning little sword), referring to the sword-like shape of the leaves; the diminutive form of 'gladius.'

Kelly Says

The gladiolus flower is named for sword-shaped leaves, and the word traveled from ancient Rome through botanical Latin into your grandmother's flower garden—it's literally a militarized plant!

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