SPATHE

spathe. Spathe, [a as in ask] n. a calyx like a sheath, bursting lengthwise

---

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.