Definition of trefoil
1a : clover 1; broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (such as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leafletsb : a trifoliolate leaf
2 : an ornament or symbol in the form of a stylized trifoliolate leaf
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Illustration of trefoil
Origin and Etymology of trefoil
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin trifolium, from tri- + folium leaf — more at blade
TREFOIL Defined for English Language Learners
trefoil
playDefinition of trefoil for English Language Learners
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: a plant (such as a clover) that has three leaves on each stem
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: a decorative object or design that is shaped like a leaf with three parts
TREFOIL Defined for Kids
trefoil
playDefinition of trefoil for Students
1 : a clover or related plant having leaves with three leaflets
2 : a fancy design with three leaflike parts
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