especially: a common iris (Iris versicolor) chiefly of the eastern U.S. with a root formerly used medicinally
Word History
First Known Use
1732, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
blue flag
noun
-ˈflag
1
: either of two common blue-flowered irises (Iris versicolor and I. virginica) of the eastern and central United States with rhizomes formerly used medicinally as a cathartic and emetic