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Glite Dictionary
lyrate leaf

lyrate leaf

9.8
A simple leaf with a large rounded end and small rounded side parts
  • noun
  • Specialized
: hoja lirada
  • The mustard plant is easily recognized by its distinctive lyrate leaf shape.

Examples

  • Botanists often classify specimens based on features like a lyrate leaf or a lobed margin.

  • A lyrate leaf can be seen in some species of wild radish.

  • The lyrate leaf has a unique shape.

  • Many plants exhibit a lyrate leaf structure.

  • The mustard plant is easily recognized by its distinctive lyrate leaf shape.

  • Botanists often classify specimens based on features like a lyrate leaf or a lobed margin.

  • A lyrate leaf can be seen in some species of wild radish.

Surface Forms

lyrate leaf singular
lyrate leaves plural

Morphology

lyrate + leaf

The noun phrase combines the adjective 'lyrate' (meaning lyre-shaped) with 'leaf', so the overall meaning 'a leaf shaped like a lyre' is directly derivable from its parts. Although 'lyrate' is a technical botanical term, the adjective+noun composition is transparent and predictable for a learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

The noun lyrate leaf comes from the shape of an old string instrument called a 'lyre'. A lyrate leaf has a large rounded end and smaller side lobes that look like the arms of the 'lyre', so the name helps you remember it means a leaf with a big end and little side parts.