any of a genus (Gladiolus) of plants of the iris family, with swordlike leaves, corms, and tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in various colors
Anat. the central part of the sternum
See gladiolus in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(glădˌē-ōˈləs)
nounpl.glad·i·o·li(-lī, -lē) or glad·i·o·lus·es
also glad·i·o·la(-lə)Botany Any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus, native chiefly to tropical and southern Africa and having sword-shaped leaves and showy, variously colored, irregular flowers arranged in one-sided spikes. Also called sword lily.