spathe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a conspicuous bract surrounding or subtending a spadix or other inflorescence

WordNet

Spathe noun
Etymology
L. spatha, Gr. : cf. F. spathe. See Spade for digging.
Definitions
  1. (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