Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

leaf

Pronunciation: /liːf/
Translate leaf | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
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
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …