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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Literature

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times