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
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the large central part of the breastbone
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Gladiolus \Gla*di"o*lus\, n.; pl. L. {Gladioli}, E. {Gladioluses}. [L. See {Gladiole}.] 1. (Bot.) 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.) The middle portion of the sternum in some animals; the mesosternum.