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.