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leaf

Pronunciation: /liːf/
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Definition of leaf

noun (plural leaves /liːvz/)

  • 1a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem directly or via a stalk. Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis and transpiration: many of the trees had lost their leaves bay leaves an oak leaf
  • any of a number of plant structures similar to leaves, e.g. bracts, sepals, and petals.
  • [mass noun] foliage regarded collectively.
  • [mass noun] the state of having leaves:the trees are still in leaf
  • [mass noun] the leaves of tobacco or tea: [as modifier]:leaf tea
  • 2a thing that resembles a leaf in being flat and thin.
  • a single thickness of paper, especially in a book with each side forming a page.
  • [mass noun, with modifier] gold, silver, or other specified metal in the form of very thin foil:gold leaf
  • the hinged part or flap of a door, shutter, or table.
  • an extra section inserted to extend a table.
  • the inner or outer part of a cavity wall or double-glazed window.

verb

[no object]
  • 1(of a plant, especially a deciduous one in spring) put out new leaves: many plants need a period of dormancy before they leaf and flower
  • 2 (leaf through) turn over (the pages of a book or the papers in a pile), reading them quickly or casually:he leafed through the stack of notes

Phrases

shake (or tremble) like a leaf

(of a person) tremble greatly, especially from fear.

Derivatives

leafage

noun

leafed

adjective
[in combination]:purple-leafed dahlias

leafless

adjective

leaf-like

adjective

Origin:

Old English lēaf, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch loof and German Laub

Spelling rule

Change the -f to -ves to make the plurals of nouns that end in a consonant or a single vowel plus -f or -fe: (leaves).

leaf in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of leaf in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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