calla

[kal-uh]

noun

1. Also called arum lily. 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 called: calla lily.  arum 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

A pair of calla lilies grasped in her hands acknowledges fertility.

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She'd still been small enough to fit on Gran's hip, and she'd reached her pudgy fingers out to touch the black calla lilies in the greenhouse.

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Employing geometric ruching on exaggerated shoulders, she showcased surreal tubular shapes reminiscent of the enveloping flowers of the calla lily.

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Sometimes requests come in for memorial pants: calla lilies and butterflies and names to honor a loved one.

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It is like a big purple calla lily, but it smells horrible.

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