\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}.
Note: The name is also given to the several-leaved involucre
      of the iris and other similar plants.