Adam's-needle

[ ad-uhmz-need-l ]

noun

1. a yucca, Yucca filamentosa, grown as an ornamental, having sword-shaped leaves and a tall spike of creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers.

Adam's-needle

noun

1. a North American liliaceous plant, Yucca filamentosa, that has a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers arranged in spikes. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant See also Spanish bayonet

Word History and Origins

Origin of Adam's-needle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60