spathe

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

From Latin spatha, from Ancient Greek σπάθη (spáthē, “blade”). Doublet of epee, spatha, and spade.

(Root and honey, palm and spathe, Guard a cub from harm and scathe!) — The Second Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling
Just as we were there they were very busy with the spathes, and in Thursday's Market huge baskets of the male spathes were exposed for sale. — Southern Arabia, J. Theodore (James Theodore) Bent

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