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Glite Dictionary
sassafras leaf

sassafras leaf

7.0
A leaf from the sassafras tree that adds flavor to food and drinks
  • noun
  • /ˈsæsəˌfræs liːf/
  • US
translation icon : hoja de sassafrás
  • She added a sassafras leaf to the stew to give it a unique flavor.

Examples

  • The herbalist recommended brewing tea with dried sassafras leaves for a soothing drink.

  • I added a sassafras leaf to the soup.

  • Gumbo recipes in Louisiana often call for ground sassafras leaves as a thickener and spice.

  • The recipe calls for a fresh sassafras leaf.

  • The chef added sassafras leaf to the gumbo for extra flavor.

  • I brewed some tea with sassafras leaf to enjoy its unique taste.

  • In traditional recipes, sassafras leaf is often used to enhance the aroma of dishes.

Surface Forms

sassafras leaf singular
sassafras leaves plural

Morphology

Sassafras + leaf

The meaning is literal: it denotes a leaf that comes from a sassafras tree. Combining 'Sassafras' (a type of tree) with 'leaf' yields a straightforward referent following common noun-noun compounding/possession patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Sassafras leaf is the actual leaf from the sassafras tree, long used in cooking and drinks for its warm, slightly lemony flavor. So when a recipe or note says 'sassafras leaf', it means the real leaf used to flavor dishes like gumbo or old‑style root beer.