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Glite Dictionary
acuminate leaf

acuminate leaf

9.1
A leaf that becomes narrower and ends in a long thin point
  • noun
  • /əˈkjuːmɪnət liːf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hoja acuminada
  • The plant is easily recognized by its acuminate leaf that ends in a delicate point.

Examples

  • The acuminate leaf structure helps some rainforest trees shed water quickly.

  • Botanists identified the species by examining the shape of its acuminate leaf.

  • The acuminate leaf of the plant is very distinctive.

  • Many species have an acuminate leaf shape.

  • The plant is easily recognized by its acuminate leaf that gradually tapers to a sharp point.

  • Botanists identified the species by studying its unique acuminate leaf with a slender tip.

  • In the tropics, the acuminate leaf design allows trees to efficiently shed rainwater.

Antonyms

broad-leafed
3.9

A plant or tree that has wide, flat leaves

How Pointed

acuminate leaf
  • Specialized
9.1
emarginate leaf
  • Specialized
9.1
obtuse leaf
  • Specialized
7.2
oblong leaf
  • Specialized
4.4

Surface Forms

acuminate leaf singular
acuminate leaves plural

Morphology

acuminate + leaf

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from combining 'acuminate' (gradually tapering to a slender tip) with 'leaf' (a plant organ); the adjective+noun structure transparently describes the shape of the leaf. Although 'acuminate' is somewhat technical botanical vocabulary, a learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer the MWE meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

The term acuminate leaf comes from the word acuminate, which means 'sharp point', and describes a leaf that slowly narrows to a long, thin tip. Picture a leaf stretching into a small needle; that's why it means 'coming to a point'.