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Glite Dictionary
spathiphyllum

spathiphyllum

9.9
A tropical plant often kept indoors with white or green flower-like leaves and a sweet smell
  • noun
  • /ˌspæθɪˈfɪləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espatifilo
  • My grandmother grows several spathiphyllums in her living room for their fragrance and beauty.

Examples

  • The spathiphyllum thrives in low-light conditions, making it a popular office plant.

  • She placed a blooming spathiphyllum on her desk to brighten the room.

  • The spathiphyllum is a popular choice for indoor gardens.

  • I bought a spathiphyllum last week.

  • My grandmother grows several spathiphyllums in her living room for their fragrance and beauty.

  • She placed a blooming spathiphyllum on her desk to brighten the room.

  • The spathiphyllum thrives in low-light conditions, making it a popular office plant.

Synonyms

spathe flower
vsspathiphyllum
9.3

A common houseplant with a large white or green leaf that surrounds a small flower

is described as a tropical ornamental with a fragrant flower spike
peace lily
vsspathiphyllum
4.8

A green houseplant with shiny leaves and a white leaf around its flowers

is framed more as a tropical houseplant known for its spathe and scent

Surface Forms

spathiphyllum singular
spathiphyllums plural

Morphology

spathiphyllum = spathi + phyll + um

This is a Latinized botanical name built from classical elements, but the meaning is not recoverable for an average English learner from the visible parts.

Etymology

Spathiphyllum comes from two Greek parts: spathe meaning 'broad leaf' or 'cover' and phyllum meaning 'leaf', the same 'phyll' you see in chlorophyll. So the name points to the plant's large white leaf that wraps around the flower spike, which is why it fits this fragrant houseplant.