1. any of several plants of the genus Ixia, of the iris family, native to southern Africa, having spikes of flowers and grown as an ornamental.
2. a woodland plant, Clintonia borealis, of the lily family, native to eastern and midwestern North America, having broad leaves, nodding yellowish-green flowers, and dark-blue berries. Also called bluebead .
[ 1945-50, Amer. ]