Bot. [f. mod.L. Xyrid-, Xyris, ad. Gr. ξυρίς a species of iris, f. ξυρόν razor, so called from the sharp-edged leaves.] A plant belonging to the Xyridaceæ, an order of monocotyledons typified by the genus Xyris, comprising sedge-like herbs having flowers with three colored petals like those of Spiderworts; chiefly tropical and North American. So Xyridal a., belonging to the alliance Xyridales in Lindley’s classification, comprising the Xyridaceæ and allied orders; sb. a plant belonging to this alliance; Xyridaceous a., belonging to the Xyridaceæ.
1846. Lindley, Veg. Kingd., 186. [The] nearest relationship [of Philydraceæ] … is plainly with Xyrids and Spiderworts. Ibid., 185. Alliance XIV. Xyridales.—The Xyridal Alliance … Natural Orders of Xyridals. Philydraceæ. Xyridaceæ. Commelynaceæ. Mayaceæ. Ibid., 187. Xyridaceæ.—Xyrids.
