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Glite Dictionary
velvetleaf

velvetleaf

8.6
A plant with soft, furry leaves that is often seen as a weed
  • noun
  • /ˈvɛlvɪtˌlif/
translation icon : velvetleaf
  • Velvetleaf is often found in fields, where it grows alongside other common velvetleaf.

Examples

  • Machines harvest the weed with the crop, so mature velvetleaf seed pods are mixed with maize ensilage.

    Academic text (1991)

  • A now common weed not mentioned in the 1872 list is velvetleaf.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Farmers need to control velvetleaf because it can overshadow their crops.

  • The garden was overrun with velvetleaf, making it difficult for other plants to thrive.

Synonyms

velvet-leaf
vsvelvetleaf
8.6

A plant with large soft leaves that feel like velvet

is the same idea but written without hyphen and noted as a weed
Abutilon theophrasti
vsvelvetleaf
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall plant with soft leaves and yellow flowers that has strong fiber and often grows as a weed

is a general name for similar plants not the specific species
China jute
vsvelvetleaf
9.5

A tall tropical plant grown for its strong fiber to make cloth

is the general plant name rather than the cultivated fiber crop term
velvetweed
vsvelvetleaf
  • US
9.9

A tall plant with soft velvety leaves and strong fibers used to make rope

is the broader common name for similar plants often seen as weeds

Surface Forms

velvetleaf singular
velvetleaves plural

Morphology

velvetleaf = velvet + leaf (transparent) = velvet + leaf

The compound directly names leaves that have a velvety texture, a meaning learners can infer from 'velvet' + 'leaf'.

Etymology

Velvetleaf combines velvet and leaf; velvet means a 'soft fabric', so the plant was named because its leaves feel soft like velvet. That's why velvetleaf refers to a plant with velvety, furry leaves that are easy to notice.