leaf
leaf definition
leaf (lēf)
noun pl. leaves
- any of the flat, thin, expanded organs, usually green, growing laterally from the stem or twig of a plant: it usually consists of a broad blade, a petiole, or stalk, and stipules and is involved in the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration
- in popular usage
- the blade of a leaf
- a petal
- leaves collectively choice tobacco leaf
- a design resembling a leaf, used as an ornament in architecture
- a sheet of paper, esp. as part of a book, with a page on each side
- a very thin sheet of metal; lamina
- such sheets collectively covered with gold leaf
- a hinged section of a table top, forming an extension when raised into place
- a board inserted into a table top to increase its surface
- a flat, hinged or movable part of a folding door, shutter, etc.
- ☆ one of a number of metal strips laid one upon another to make a leaf spring
Etymology: ME lefe < OE leaf, akin to Du loof, Ger laub < IE base *leubh-, to peel off, pull off > Lith lupù, to skin, pare off
intransitive verb
- to put forth or bear leaves: often with out
- to turn the pages of a book, etc., esp. so as to glance quickly (through)
transitive verb
turn the pages of
leaf Idioms
in leaf
having leaves grown; with foliage
take a leaf from someone's book
to follow someone's example
turn over a new leaf
to make a new start
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