compound leaf
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a leaf composed of a number of leaflets on a common stalk