Main Entry: ¹leaf

Pronunciation: \ˈlēf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural leaves \ˈlēvz\ also leafs \ˈlēfs\

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English leef, from Old English lēaf; akin to Old High German loub leaf

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : a lateral outgrowth from a plant stem that is typically a flattened expanded variably shaped greenish organ, constitutes a unit of the foliage, and functions primarily in food manufacture by photosynthesis (2) : a modified leaf (as a bract or sepal) primarily engaged in functions other than food manufacture b (1) : foliage <trees in full leaf> (2) : the leaves of a plant as an article of commerce
2 : something suggestive of a leaf: as a : a part of a book or folded sheet containing a page on each side b (1) : a part (as of window shutters, folding doors, or gates) that slides or is hinged (2) : the movable parts of a table top c (1) : a thin sheet or plate of any substance : lamina (2) : metal (as gold or silver) in sheets usually thinner than foil (3) : one of the plates of a leaf spring

— leaf·less \ˈlēf-ləs\ adjective

— leaf·like \ˈlēf-ˌlīk\ adjective

[leaf illustration]