Word Study
aspidistra
CIDE DICTIONARY
aspidistra, n.
an evergreen perennial (Aspidistra elatio ) with large handsome basal leaves; grown primarily as a foliage houseplant. [WordNet 1.5]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
aspidistra, n. a foliage plant of the genus Aspidistra, with broad tapering leaves, often grown as a house-plant.
Etymology
mod.L f. Gk aspis -idos shield (from the shape of the leaves)
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