calla

[ kal-uh ]

noun

1. Also called calla lily;. any of several plants belonging to the genus Zantedeschia, of the arum family, especially Z. aethiopica, having arrow-shaped leaves and a large white spathe enclosing a yellow spike.
2. a related plant, Calla palustris, of cold marshes of Europe and North America, having heart-shaped leaves.

calla

/ ˈkælə /

noun

1. Also calledcalla lilyarum lily any southern African plant of the aroid genus Zantedeschia, esp Z. aethiopica, which has a white funnel-shaped spathe enclosing a yellow spadix
2. an aroid plant, Calla palustris, that grows in wet places and has a white spathe enclosing a greenish spadix, and red berries

Word History and Origins

Origin of calla¹

From New Latin (Linnaeus)

Word History and Origins

Origin of calla¹

C19: from New Latin, probably from Greek kalleia wattles on a cock, probably from kallos beauty

Example Sentences

Calla lilies, with their trumpetlike shape, are considered a symbol of purity and rebirth.

From The Daily Beast

"He didn't love to hear them called calla lilies," said Val, without a particle of feeling in her voice.

From Project Gutenberg

The spotted Calla has variegated foliage and is a fine plant for mixed collections.

From Project Gutenberg

The calla-lilies blossom almost daily in shaded spots; and beds of fragrant blue violets are never without flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Richardia, ri-chr′di-a, n. a small genus of South African herbs of the Arum family, including the calla-lily.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, a calla, being a sort of aquatic plant, requires very much more water than a geranium.

From Project Gutenberg