Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
reniform leaf

reniform leaf

9.9
A leaf shaped like a kidney that is wider than it is long
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛnɪfɔrm liːf/
  • Specialized
: hoja reniforme
  • The common violet often has a reniform leaf, which helps in its identification.

Examples

  • A reniform leaf is broader than it is long, resembling the shape of a kidney.

  • Botanists distinguish the reniform leaf from other shapes, such as lanceolate or ovate.

  • Look at this reniform leaf!

  • The reniform leaf is beautiful.

  • A reniform leaf has a unique shape that makes it easily identifiable in many plant species.

  • The reniform leaf of the kidney bean plant contributes to its common name and distinguishes it from others.

  • In botany, a reniform leaf is specifically described as having a kidney-like shape that is broad and rounded.

Surface Forms

reniform leaf singular
reniform leaves plural

Morphology

reniform + leaf

The adjective 'reniform' literally means 'kidney-shaped', so when combined with the noun 'leaf' the phrase directly denotes a leaf shaped like a kidney. This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition following normal descriptive patterns (and similar constructions exist cross-linguistically), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

The plant name reniform leaf comes from a word meaning 'kidney' and gives a clear picture: the part reniform means 'kidney' and the leaf looks like a small kidney. That's why it means 'kidney-shaped'.