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Glite Dictionary
ensiform leaf

ensiform leaf

9.9
A long narrow leaf shaped like a sword
  • noun
  • /ˈɛn.sɪ.fɔrm liːf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hoja ensiforme
  • The sword-like shape of an ensiform leaf helps distinguish it from broader, oval leaves.

Examples

  • The iris is well known for its distinctive ensiform leaf which rises gracefully from the base.

  • Many plants, like the iris, have ensiform leaves.

  • Botanists often identify species by the presence of an ensiform leaf among other foliage types.

  • The ensiform leaf of the iris is quite striking.

  • The iris is well known for its distinctive ensiform leaf which rises gracefully from the base.

  • The sword-like shape of an ensiform leaf helps distinguish it from broader, oval leaves.

  • Botanists often identify species by the presence of an ensiform leaf among other foliage types.

Synonyms

linear leaf
vsensiform leaf
  • Specialized
7.6

A long narrow leaf with nearly parallel sides

is tapered to a pointed swordlike shape rather than parallel sided
elongate leaf
vsensiform leaf
  • Specialized
5.6

A long thin leaf that is much longer than it is wide

is tapered to a pointed swordlike outline rather than merely long

Antonyms

round
273 1.0

Having the shape of a circle or sphere

broad-leafed
3.9

A plant or tree that has wide, flat leaves

How Narrow

ensiform leaf
  • Specialized
9.9
lanceolate leaf
  • Specialized
8.2
oblong leaf
  • Specialized
4.4

Surface Forms

ensiform leaf singular
ensiform leaves plural

Morphology

ensiform + leaf

The phrase is fully compositional: 'ensiform' means 'sword-shaped' and 'leaf' denotes the plant organ, so 'ensiform leaf' straightforwardly means a leaf shaped like a sword. This adjective + noun combination follows standard English composition, making the meaning predictable for a learner who knows both constituent words (despite 'ensiform' being a rare technical adjective).

Etymology

Ensiform leaf comes from old Latin words that mean 'sword' and 'shape', so the word ensiform paints a picture of a leaf shaped like a long sword. That's why the phrase means a long, narrow, sword-like leaf found on plants such as the iris.