‖ arum Bot.
(ˈɛərəm)
Pl. -s. Also 6–8 aron; cf. aaron2.
[L., a. Gr. ἄρον (also formerly in Eng. use).]
A genus of endogenous plants (family Araceæ), the inflorescence of which consists of a large spathe, enclosing a fleshy spike or spadix bearing on its lower part the unisexual flowers succeeded by bright-coloured berries; one species, the Wake-robin, Cuckoo-pint, or Lords and Ladies (A. Maculatum), is a native of Britain.
| 1551 Turner Herbal i. 44 Of aron or cockow pynt. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1615) 30 The old Bears..do eat the hearb Arum, commonly called in English Wake-robbin or Calves-foot. 1769 Sir J. Hill Fam. Herbal (1812) 13 Aron..is an excellent medicine in palsies. 1834 M. Howitt Spring in Sk. Nat. Hist. (1851) 83 Here too the spotted Arum green, A hooded mystery, is seen. 1866 Masters in Treas. Bot. 97/1 The common Arum of the hedges..From the tubers of this plant, in the Isle of Portland, a starch called Portland Arrowroot was formerly extensively prepared. |
b. attrib. Esp. in arum lily (Richardia æthiopica): an arad with a pure white spathe and brilliant yellow spadix, a favourite ornamental flower in drawing-rooms.
| 1599 A. M. Gabelhouer's Bk. Physic 183/2 Take Aron roote. 1821 Clare Village Minstr. I. 98 When April first Unclos'd the arum-leaves. 1856 Miss Muloch J. Halifax 230 Gathering for her a magnificent arum lily. |