star-of-Bethlehem
1 of 2noun
star-of-Beth·le·hem -ˈbeth-li-ˌhem 
-lē-(h)əm
: any of various Old World bulbous herbs (genus Ornithogalum) of the lily family with basal leaves resembling grass
especially : one (O. umbellatum) with white star-shaped flowers that is naturalized in the eastern U.S.
star of Bethlehem
2 of 2noun phrase
: a star which according to Christian tradition guided the Magi to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1573, in the meaning defined above
Noun Phrase
1789, in the meaning defined above