Dictionary
1leaf
noun, often attributive \ˈlēf\
: one of the flat and typically green parts of a plant that grow from a stem or twig
: a sheet of paper in a book
: a part that can be added to or removed from a table to change the size of its top surface
plural leaves \ˈlēvz\ also leafs \ˈlēfs\
Full 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
See leaf defined for English-language learners
See leaf defined for kids
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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
2leaf
verb
Definition of LEAF
intransitive verb
1
: to shoot out or produce leaves <will leaf out in spring>
2
: to turn over pages especially to browse or skim <leaf through a book>
transitive verb
: to turn over the pages of
See leaf defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LEAF
1611
LEAFLESS Defined for Kids
1leaf
noun \ˈlēf\
plural leaves \ˈlēvz\
Definition of LEAF for Kids
1
: one of the usually flat green parts that grow from a plant stem and that functions mainly in making food by photosynthesis
2
: foliage <The trees are in full leaf.>
3
: a single sheet of a book containing a page on each side
4
: a part that can be added to or removed from a table top
— leaf·less \ˈlēf-ləs\ adjective
— leaf·like \ˈlēf-ˌlīk\ adjective
2leaf
verb
leafedleaf·ing
Definition of LEAF for Kids
1
: to grow leaves <The trees will leaf out in the spring.>
2
: to turn the pages of a book
Medical Dictionary
leaf
noun \ˈlēf\
Medical Definition of LEAF
: a thin layer or sheet of tissue <the anterior leaf of the coronary ligament>
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