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Definition of leaf

leaf

/liːf/
leaf

Plural:leaves
•
Adjective:leafy
•
Past Simple:leafed
•
Past Participle:leafed
•
Present Participle:leafing
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leaf Lexical Profile

leaf Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The principal lateral appendage of the stem of a vascular plant, usually flattened and green, primarily specialized for photosynthesis.

Example

"In autumn, the maple tree's leaves turn a vibrant shade of crimson."


2

A single sheet of paper bound in a book, document, or manuscript, typically consisting of two pages, one on each side.

Example

"The ancient manuscript was missing a crucial leaf near the end of the chapter."


3

A hinged, sliding, or detachable flat part, such as an extension to a table or a section of a folding door.

Example

"Before the dinner guests arrived, she added an extra leaf to the dining table to make room for everyone."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To quickly or casually turn over the pages of a book, magazine, or document (usually used with 'through').

Example

"He sat in the waiting room and leafed through an old magazine to pass the time."


2

To put forth or produce foliage (often used with 'out').

Example

"The oak trees in the front yard finally leafed out after the unusually long winter."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for leaf

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'lēaf', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'loof' and German 'Laub', stemming from an Indo-European root meaning 'to peel' or 'break off'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leaf. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leaf
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