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gladdon

gladdon

9.9
A plant like an iris that has purple flowers and bad-smelling leaves
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : gladón
  • Gardeners admire the gladdon for its unique seed pods, despite its unpleasant-smelling leaves.

Examples

  • Children were warned not to pick the leaves of the gladdon because of their odor.

  • The gladdon is often found in shaded woodlands across western Europe.

  • The gladdon bloomed beautifully in the garden.

  • Many gladdons grow in the wild across Europe.

  • Gardeners admire the gladdon for its striking purple flowers, even if the leaves smell bad.

  • In southern Europe, the gladdon can be seen flourishing in damp soil.

  • The foul odor of the gladdon's leaves does not deter many from planting it for its beauty.

Synonyms

Iris foetidissima
vsgladdon
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant with purple flowers and leaves that smell bad when crushed

is the common English name rather than the Latin scientific name
gladdon iris
vsgladdon
  • Archaic
9.9

A plant with purple flowers and smelly leaves that grows by the Mediterranean

is the formal species label rather than a casual folk name
stinking iris
vsgladdon
  • UK
9.9

A plant with purple flowers and very smelly leaves that grows every year

is the botanical species term, not mainly a smell-focused nickname
stinking gladwyn
vsgladdon
  • UK
9.9

A garden plant with purple flowers and leaves that smell bad when crushed

is the standard species description rather than a regional nickname
roast beef plant
vsgladdon
  • UK
9.9

A type of iris with purple flowers and leaves that smell bad

is the botanical species term used in technical descriptions

Compounds

gladdon iris
  • Archaic
9.9

A plant with purple flowers and smelly leaves that grows by the Mediterranean

Surface Forms

gladdon singular
gladdons plural

Etymology

Gladdon is a kind of iris with purple flowers but bad-smelling leaves. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a plant that grows in a glade, a 'small open area in woods', so glade + -on gives gladdon, linking the name to its woodland habit.