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Glite Dictionary
decompound

decompound

9.9
A leaf divided into parts that are also divided
  • adjective
  • /ˌdiːkəmˈpaʊnd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : decompuesto
  • Many ferns have decompound leaves that are quite beautiful.

Examples

  • In some species, the decompound leaflets allow for more efficient light capture.

  • The fern's decompound leaves give it a delicate, lacy appearance.

  • The botanist identified the willow tree by its decompound foliage.

  • The decompound leaf of the plant exhibits intricate patterns.

  • The botanist identified the willow tree by its decompound foliage.

  • The fern's decompound leaves give it a delicate, lacy appearance.

  • Many ferns have decompound leaves that are quite beautiful.

Compounds

decompound leaf
  • Specialized
8.9

A leaf with leaflets that are divided again into smaller leaflets

How Divided

decompound
  • Specialized
9.9
lobed
6.5
entire
  • Specialized
1 8.3

Surface Forms

decompound positive

Morphology

decompound = compound (opaque) = de + compound

Although formed from 'de-' + 'compound', the botanical sense is specialized and does not follow the typical 'de-' = reversal meaning that an average B1 learner would expect.

Etymology

The word decompound comes from de- meaning 'again' or 'down' and compound meaning 'made of parts', so a decompound leaf is 'compounded again', with leaflets that are themselves made of parts.