lily
lil·y / ˈlilē/ • n. 1. a widely cultivated bulbous plant (genus Lilium) with large trumpet-shaped, typically fragrant, flowers on a tall, slender stem. The lily family (Liliaceae) includes many flowering bulbs, such as bluebells, hyacinths, and tulips. Several plants are often placed in different families, esp. Alliaceae (onions and their relatives), Aloaceae (aloes), and Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis, daffodils, jonquil). ∎ short for water lily. ∎ used in names of other plants with similar flowers or leaves, e.g., arum lily. 2. a heraldic fleur-de-lis.DERIVATIVES: lil·ied / ˈlilēd/ adj.
More From encyclopedia.com
NEARBY TERMS
lily
