pinnate leaf

1 7.1

A leaf with smaller leaves along a central stem like a feather

noun
/ˈpɪneɪt liːf/

Specialized

: hoja pinnada

Look at that pinnate leaf!

Examples

The rose has a pinnate leaf with several oval-shaped leaflets along each side of its stem.
Many species of ferns display a classic pinnate leaf pattern.
When identifying trees, noticing a pinnate leaf can help distinguish ash from maple.
The pinnate leaf is beautiful.
The plant's pinnate leaves are arranged symmetrically along a central stem, resembling a feather.
In the garden, the pinnate leaves of the fern create a beautiful, feathery appearance.
The tree is known for its distinctive pinnate leaves, which give it a unique silhouette.

How Divided

tripinnate

Specialized

9.9

bipinnate leaf

Specialized

8.6

pinnate leaf

Specialized

1 7.1

pinnatifid

Specialized

9.9

entire leaf

Specialized

6.7

Surface Forms

pinnate leaf singular

pinnate leaves plural

Morphology

pinnate + leaf

The adjective 'pinnate' describes a specific arrangement of leaflets (feather-like) and when combined with 'leaf' yields the direct, compositional meaning 'a leaf with leaflets arranged along a central axis.' This is a straightforward adjective + noun combination following normal composition patterns, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Pinnate leaf is named for its feather-like look: small leaflets line up on each side of a central stem, like the parts of a feather. So it means 'a leaf with leaflets arranged along a central stem'.