leaf

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noun (plural leaves /lēvz/)

• 1a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and bladelike, that is attached to a stem directly or via a stalk. Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis and transpiration. Compare with compound leaf, leaflet.
• any of a number of plant structures similar to leaves, e.g., bracts, sepals, and petals.
• foliage regarded collectively.
• the state of having leaves:the trees are still in leaf
• the leaves of tobacco or tea: [as modifier]:leaf tea

• 2a thing that resembles a leaf in being flat and thin, typically something that is one of two or more similar items forming a set or stack.
• a single thickness of paper, especially in a book with each side forming a page.
• [with modifier] gold, silver, or other specified metal in the form of very thin foil.
• 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.
• any of the stacked metal strips that form a leaf spring.

verb

[no object]

• 1(of a plant, especially a deciduous one in spring) put out new leaves.

• 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.

take a leaf out of someone's book

see book.

turn over a new leaf

see turn.

Derivatives

leafage

Pronunciation: /ˈlēfij/

noun

leafless

adjective

leaflike

Pronunciation: /-līk/

adjective

Origin:

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

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).