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Glite Dictionary
obtuse leaf

obtuse leaf

7.2
A leaf with a rounded or blunt tip rather than a point
  • noun
  • /əbˈtus liːf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hoja obtusa
  • The obtuse leaf of this plant distinguishes it from other species with pointed foliage.

Examples

  • The botanist collected several specimens with an obtuse leaf shape for her research.

  • In botany, an obtuse leaf is noted for its wide, rounded end that is not sharp.

  • In the diagram, the obtuse leaf is labeled to show its rounded tip.

  • The obtuse leaf of the plant caught my attention.

  • Many obtuse leaves can be found on the shrub.

  • The obtuse leaf of the tree has a distinct, rounded tip that sets it apart from others.

  • A healthy plant often displays an obtuse leaf, characterized by its blunt shape.

How Pointed

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

Surface Forms

obtuse leaf singular
obtuse leaves plural

Morphology

obtuse + leaf

This is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'obtuse' (rounded/blunt) applied to 'leaf' yields the meaning 'a leaf with a rounded or blunt tip.' Although 'obtuse' is somewhat technical in botanical contexts, the relation is fully compositional and therefore understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Obtuse leaf comes from using obtuse to mean 'blunt' or 'not sharp'. Picture a leaf with a soft, rounded tip instead of a point, so the term means 'a leaf with a rounded or blunt tip'.