biserrate

9.9

A leaf edge that has saw teeth, each tooth having smaller teeth

adjective
/bɪˈsɛreɪt/

Specialized

: biserrado

The leaf margins of some holly species are distinctly biserrate, giving them a unique texture.

Examples

A botanist identified the specimen by its biserrate leaves, which set it apart from similar species.
Under the microscope, the biserrate pattern of the fern's edge became clearly visible.
The biserrate leaves of the plant are quite distinctive.
Have you seen the biserrate edges on this leaf?
A botanist identified the specimen by its biserrate leaves, which set it apart from similar species.
The leaf margins of some holly species are distinctly biserrate, giving them a unique texture.
Under the microscope, the biserrate pattern of the fern's edge became clearly visible.

Synonyms

notched

vsbiserrate

2 3.9

With edges that have small cuts or gaps

has main teeth that each show tiny secondary indentations

sawtoothed-edged

vsbiserrate

6.7

Leaves with edges that have sharp points like teeth

has teeth that each bear smaller teeth

Surface Forms

biserrate positive

Morphology

biserrate = serrate (transparent) = bi + serrate

Clearly formed from the prefix 'bi-' (two/double) + 'serrate' (saw-toothed), yielding 'doubly serrated' in a straightforward way.

Etymology

The word biserrate comes from bi- 'two' and the same root as serrated, from serra 'saw'. So a biserrate leaf has a 'double saw' edge — each big tooth has smaller teeth, which explains the saw-like notches you see today.