GLADIOLUS

gladiolus, corpus sternum

(noun) the large central part of the breastbone

gladiolus, gladiola, glad, sword lily

(noun) 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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

gladiolus (plural gladioli or gladioluses)

(anatomy) The center part of the sternum.

Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Gladiolus, having sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers on spikes; gladiola.

Source: Wiktionary

Gla*di"o*lus, n.; pl. L. Gladioli, E. Gladioluses. Etym: [L. See Gladiole.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: 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.

2. (Anat.)

Definition: The middle portion of the sternum in some animals; the mesosternum.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition