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Noun: sword lily  sord li-lee
  1. 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 coloured funnel-shaped flowers; widely cultivated
    "Tall sword lilies added vertical interest to the flower bed";
    - gladiolus, gladiola, glad [informal]
     
  2. Plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-coloured flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
    "The purple sword lily bloomed along the garden path";
    - iris, flag, fleur-de-lis

Derived forms: sword lilies

Type of: iridaceous plant

Part of: genus Gladiolus, genus Iris

Encyclopedia: Sword lily