lily of the valley

lily of the valley

Definition of LILY OF THE VALLEY

: a low perennial herb (Convallaria majalis) of the lily family that has usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

First Known Use of LILY OF THE VALLEY

1563

Rhymes with LILY OF THE VALLEY

Imperial Valley, Yosemite Valley

lily of the val·ley

noun \ˈlil-ē-əv-thə-ˈval-ē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; lil·ies of the valley

Medical Definition of LILY OF THE VALLEY

1

: an erect low-growing perennial herb of the genus Convallaria (C. majalis) that has two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers and is the source of convallaria, convallamarin, convallarin, and convallatoxin

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of the lily of the valley used as a cardiac tonic

Illustration of LILY OF THE VALLEY

lily of the valley

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)—© Nell Bolen—The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers

Fragrant perennial herb and sole species (Convallaria majalis) of the genus Convallaria (family Ruscaceae), native to Eurasia and eastern North America. White bell-shaped flowers droop in a row from one side of a leafless stalk, which usually bears two glossy leaves at its base. The fruit is a single red berry. Lily of the valley is cultivated in shaded garden areas in many temperate parts of the world.