trilobate

9.9

Having three separate parts like a maple leaf

adjective
/ˈtraɪloʊbeɪt/

Specialized

: trilobado

The maple's trilobate leaves make it easy to distinguish from other trees.

Examples

Botanists identified the plant by its thick stem and trilobate foliage.
The trilobate leaf shape is quite unique.
A trilobate pattern can often be seen in certain species of ivy.
Some plants have trilobate features.
The maple's trilobate leaves make it easy to distinguish from other trees.
Botanists identified the plant by its thick stem and trilobate foliage.
A trilobate pattern can often be seen in certain species of ivy.

Synonyms

trifid

vstrilobate

Specialized

1 9.9

A leaf or petal divided into three parts

is the same meaning but emphasizes segments rather than general lobes

three-lobed

vstrilobate

1 6.3

Having three rounded parts that stick out, like some leaves or arches

is the same meaning but uses a different word form

trilobed

vstrilobate

Specialized

1 7.9

It has three separate rounded parts like some leaves

is the same meaning but differs only in word form

trilobated

vstrilobate

Specialized

9.9

A leaf or plant part divided into three separate sections

is the same meaning but differs only in word form

trilobal

vstrilobate

Specialized

8.0

Something that has three rounded parts

is the same core but stresses distinct lobes rather than rounded projections

ternate

vstrilobate

Specialized

9.9

Leaves or leaf parts that grow in groups of three

is specifically about being divided into three distinct lobes rather than general grouping

Surface Forms

trilobate positive

Morphology

trilobate = lobate (semi-transparent) = tri + lobe + ate

The word is built by adding tri- to lobate, and the meaning 'three-lobed' follows directly from the base form.

Etymology

The word trilobate comes from tri- 'three' and lobe 'rounded part', like in earlobe, so it means a leaf or other shape that is divided into three clear rounded parts.