arum

noun ar·um \ ˈa-rəm , ˈer-əm \

Definition of arum

:any of a genus (Arum of the family Araceae, the arum family) of Eurasian plants having usually arrow-shaped leaves and a showy spathe partially enclosing a spadix; broadly :a plant of the arum family

See arum defined for kids

Recent Examples of arum from the Web

This is the fourth time in less than two years the garden has drawn lines of visitors eager to see the rare bloom of a titan arum.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Java the corpse flower blooms, stinks, at Chicago Botanic Garden," 31 May 2017
Java is one of two corpse flowers, or titan arums, that have been on display in the garden's greenhouse since May 17 in a state of near bloom.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Java the corpse flower blooms, stinks, at Chicago Botanic Garden," 31 May 2017
For the fourth time in less than two years, the Garden is awaiting the putrid bloom of the titan arum – two plants named Java and Sumatra, after islands in their native Indonesia, that are now in their bloom cycle and could soon open.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Botanic Garden waits, watches for dual corpse flower bloom," 23 May 2017
Fall through winter, into early spring, a pleasant surprise in the ornamental garden is Italian arum, with its bold green leaves above the whiteness of new snow or drab colors of dormant vegetation.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "The colorful Italian arum pairs well with hostas," 26 Apr. 2017
Arum italicum is often planted with hostas, since hosta foliage fades away about the time of year that the arum is stretching its new leaves.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "The colorful Italian arum pairs well with hostas," 26 Apr. 2017
This arum thrives in partial shade or sun, so would be ideal with hostas in a partly-shaded bed.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "The colorful Italian arum pairs well with hostas," 26 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of arum

New Latin, from Latin arum, from Greek aron

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Learn More about arum

See words that rhyme with arum Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arum

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up arum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

arum

Definition of arum

Recent Examples of arum from the Web

Origin and Etymology of arum

Learn More about arum

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

knee-jerk

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

True or False?

Citation

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

arum

Definition of arum

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Recent Examples of arum from the Web

Origin and Etymology of arum

Learn More about arum

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066