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simple leaf

simple leaf

3.5
A single flat leaf blade not divided into leaflets
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : hoja simple
  • A simple leaf has a smooth, undivided surface that makes it easy to identify.

Examples

  • The difference between a simple leaf and a compound leaf is that the former consists of a single blade.

  • In nature studies, students learn to recognize the unique features of plants, including their simple leaves.

  • Fall is a time when a simple leaf can bring immense joy and happiness to the face of a child.

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Antonyms

compound leaf
  • Specialized
5.4

A flat plant part divided into several small leaflets joined to one stalk

How Many Leaflets

tripinnate
  • Specialized
9.9
bipinnate leaf
  • Specialized
8.6
compound leaf
  • Specialized
5.4
pinnate leaf
  • Specialized
1 7.1
simple leaf
  • Specialized
3.5

Surface Forms

simple leaf singular
simple leaves plural

Morphology

simple + leaf

The noun phrase is compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'simple' (meaning single/not divided) and 'leaf' will readily infer 'a leaf that is not divided into leaflets.' This adjective+noun pattern is a standard, cross-linguistic way to express undivided versus compound leaves, so the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

The name simple leaf comes from the way the plant looks: a leaf that is simple, with one flat part and not split into smaller leaflets. So it means 'a leaf in one piece' rather than many leaflets.