sparaxis

noun

spa·​rax·​is
spəˈraksə̇s
1
capitalized : a small genus of bulbous plants (family Iridaceae) that are native to the Cape of Good Hope and include several which are cultivated for their brilliantly colored flowers borne in fringed spathes see wandflower
2
plural sparaxis : any plant, flower, or bulb of the genus Sparaxis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, act of retching; akin to Greek sparassein to tear, rend

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near sparaxis

Cite this Entry

“Sparaxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sparaxis. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!