Definition

1. Noun:
   • A leaf composed of a number of leaflets on a common stalk: A "compound leaf" is a type of leaf where the blade is divided into multiple distinct segments, called leaflets, all of which are attached to a single central stalk, known as the rachis.

Usage

• The term "compound leaf" is used in botany to describe and classify plant morphology. It contrasts with a "simple leaf," which has a single, undivided blade.
• It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The rose and the walnut tree both have compound leaves.
  • Botanists identified the plant by examining its compound leaf structure.
  • A compound leaf may have a pinnate or palmate arrangement of leaflets.

Advanced Usage

• "Pinnately compound leaf": A compound leaf where the leaflets are arranged on either side of the rachis, resembling a feather.
  • An ash tree has a pinnately compound leaf.
• "Palmately compound leaf": A compound leaf where all the leaflets originate from a single point at the end of the petiole, resembling a hand.
  • The leaves of a horse chestnut tree are palmately compound.

Variants and Related Words

• Leaflet (n): One of the smaller, leaf-like segments that make up a compound leaf.
  • Each leaflet of the clover is heart-shaped.
• Rachis (n): The main central stalk (axis) of a compound leaf to which the leaflets are attached.
• Simple leaf (n): A leaf with a single, undivided blade.

Synonyms

• Divided leaf: A less common synonym emphasizing the leaf's separated parts.

Antonyms

• Simple leaf: A leaf with a single, undivided blade.

Noun

1. a leaf composed of a number of leaflets on a common stalk