Spathe
/speɪð/noun
A large bract that encloses or surrounds a flower cluster, especially in plants like arums and palms.
Did you know?The same Greek root behind *spathe* also gave English *spatula*, both originally referring to flat, blade-like shapes before botany claimed the word.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
spáthē (σπάθη)
“A broad blade, sword, or flat strip; later also a plant sheath or bract-like covering.”
Late Greek
Greek
spathe
“A sheath or enclosing bract, especially in botanical use.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
spatha
“A broad sword or blade; also a sheath-like covering in learned usage.”
16th–17th Century
English
spathe
“A botanical term for the large bract enclosing certain flowers.”
Modern English
English
spathe
“A sheath-like bract surrounding a flower cluster.”