star-of-Bethlehem
[ stahr-uh v-beth-lee-uh m, -li-hem ]
/ ˈstɑr əvˈbɛθ li əm, -lɪˌhɛm /
noun, plural stars-of-Beth·le·hem.
any of several plants belonging to the genus Ornithogalum, of the lily family, having grasslike leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Also called
summer snowflake.
Origin of star-of-Bethlehem
First recorded in 1565–75
Definition for star-of-bethlehem (2 of 2)
Star of Bethlehem
noun
the star that guided the Magi to the manger of the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Matt. 2:1–10.
British Dictionary definitions for star-of-bethlehem (1 of 2)
star-of-Bethlehem
noun
Also called: starflower
a Eurasian liliaceous plant, Ornithogalum umbellatum, naturalized in the eastern US, having narrow leaves and starlike white flowers
any of several similar and related plants
British Dictionary definitions for star-of-bethlehem (2 of 2)
Star of Bethlehem
noun
the star that is supposed to have appeared above Bethlehem at the birth of Christ