pinnatifid

9.9

A leaf with deep cuts almost to the middle but not into small separate parts

adjective
/ˌpɪnəˈtɪfɪd/

Specialized

: pinnatífido

The pinnatifid leaves of the dandelion are deeply lobed but not separated into individual leaflets.

Examples

Many ferns have pinnatifid fronds, creating a feather-like appearance without full division.
The pinnatifid leaves of the dandelion feature deep lobes, yet they remain connected as a single leaf.
When identifying plants, the term pinnatifid is used to describe broad, deeply cut leaves.
Look at that pinnatifid leaf!
The pinnatifid leaves of the fern are quite distinctive.
Many ferns have pinnatifid fronds, which gives them a feather-like appearance due to their broad segments.
In botany, a leaf described as pinnatifid appears divided into broad segments without being fully separate leaflets.

Synonyms

pinnatisect

vspinnatifid

Specialized

9.9

A leaf cut deeply in a feather-like pattern nearly to the main vein but still one leaf

has shallower cuts and broader segments rather than deeper narrow ones

How Divided

pinnate

Specialized

1 9.6

pinnatisect

Specialized

9.9

pinnatifid

Specialized

9.9

lobed

6.5

undivided

Specialized

2 4.7

Surface Forms

pinnatifid positive

Morphology

pinnatifid = pinnate (semi-transparent) = pinnate + fid

Formally derived from 'pinnate' + the combining suffix '-fid' meaning 'split', but '-fid' is an uncommon botanical combining element and understanding requires specialized botanical knowledge.

Etymology

The word pinnatifid comes from Latin parts pinna meaning 'feather' and -fid meaning 'split'. It describes a leaf that is 'split like a feather' into deep lobes toward the leaf's middle, so the leaf looks feather-like but stays one piece rather than separate leaflets.