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.