1. any of several perennials of the genus Aletris having grasslike leaves and bitter roots reputed to cure colic
2. perennial Australian grass having numerous long spikes arranged like the vanes of a windmill
3. trailing grass native to Europe now cosmopolitan in warm regions; used for lawns and pastures especially in southern United States and India
4. any plant of the genus Hypoxis having long grasslike leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers: Africa; Australia; southern Asia; North America