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Glite Dictionary
lanceolate leaf

lanceolate leaf

8.2
A long narrow leaf that is widest in the middle and pointed at both ends
  • noun
  • /ˌlænsiˈoʊlɪt liːf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hoja lanceolada
  • The willow has a distinctive lanceolate leaf that tapers at both ends.

Examples

  • With its long, narrow, and pointed shape, the lanceolate leaf helps the plant reduce water loss.

  • The lanceolate leaf of the plant is quite distinctive.

  • Botanists often identify plants by the presence of a lanceolate leaf among their foliage.

  • Many lanceolate leaves can be found in this region.

  • The plant features long, narrow, lanceolate leaves that are pointed at both ends.

  • Lanceolate leaves have a unique shape, widening in the middle and tapering off sharply.

  • In the garden, the lanceolate leaves of the flower contribute to its elegant appearance.

How Narrow

linear leaf
  • Specialized
7.6
lanceolate leaf
  • Specialized
8.2
elliptic leaf
  • Specialized
6.9

Surface Forms

lanceolate leaf singular
lanceolate leaves plural

Morphology

lanceolate + leaf

The phrase is an ordinary adjective + noun composition: 'lanceolate' explicitly means 'narrow, tapering to a point' and 'leaf' names the plant organ, so the combined meaning 'a leaf that is lance-shaped' is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional pattern is standard in English (and mirrored in many languages), making the MWE immediately comprehensible to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Lanceolate leaf may come from the old word lance, which means 'spear', and it gives a clear picture of a long, narrow leaf that is widest in the middle and gets narrower to a point at each end. That's why lanceolate leaf means a leaf shaped like a spear.