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Glite Dictionary
perfoliate

perfoliate

9.9
A leaf with its base joined around the stem so the stem seems to pass through
  • adjective
  • /ˌpɜrˈfoʊliˌeɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : perfoliado
  • The plant is easily identified by its perfoliate leaves, where the stem seems to pass directly through each blade.

Examples

  • Unlike most leaves, the perfoliate leaves embrace the stem completely.

  • Botanists often refer to this structure as perfoliate when describing certain wildflowers.

  • The perfoliate leaves of the plant are quite unique.

  • Is this species known for its perfoliate leaves?

  • The plant is easily identified by its perfoliate leaves, where the stem seems to pass directly through each blade.

  • Botanists often refer to this structure as perfoliate when describing certain wildflowers.

  • Unlike most leaves, the perfoliate leaves embrace the stem completely.

Compounds

perfoliate leaf
  • Specialized
9.9

A leaf whose base completely wraps around the stem so the stem appears to pass through it

How Leaf-Related

perfoliate
  • Specialized
9.9
foliar
  • Specialized
7.3
leafed
4.0

Surface Forms

perfoliate positive

Morphology

perfoliate = foliate (transparent) = per + foliate

The adjective is directly formed by adding the prefix 'per-' ('through') to 'foliate', giving the literal botanical sense of the stem appearing to pass through the leaf.

Etymology

Perfoliate comes from the Latin parts per- 'through' and folium 'leaf', and it shares the same root as English foliage. So a perfoliate leaf looks as if the stem passes 'through' the leaf, which is why we call it that.