leaf

¹leaf

noun, often attributive \ˈlēf\

plural leaves\ˈlēvz\ also leafs\ˈlēfs\

Definition of LEAF

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

Examples of LEAF

1. I heard the rustle of the autumn leaves.
2. a pile of dead leaves
3. The trees drop their leaves in the fall, and new leaves grow again in the spring.
4. The trees have not yet come into leaf.

Illustration of LEAF

Origin of LEAF

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

Rhymes with LEAF

beef, brief, chief, fief, grief, kef, lief, reef, sheaf, thief