Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sword-shaped leaf: A leaf that is long, narrow, pointed, and flattened, resembling the shape of a sword blade. This shape is characteristic of plants in the iris family and some grasses.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The garden's most striking feature was the cluster of plants with long, rigid ensiform leaves.
  • Botanists identify the species by its distinctive ensiform leaf.

Advanced Usage

• In Botanical Description: The term "ensiform leaf" is used in formal botanical keys and descriptions to specify leaf morphology, aiding in plant identification.
  • The key characteristic separating the two subspecies is the presence of an ensiform leaf in the former.

Variants and Related Words

• Ensiform (adj): Shaped like a sword blade. This is the adjective form describing the shape itself.
  • The plant has ensiform foliage.

Synonyms

• Sword-shaped leaf: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Gladiate leaf: A less common botanical term with the same meaning.

Related Terms

• Iridaceous: Pertaining to the iris family (Iridaceae), where this leaf shape is common.
  • The ensiform leaf is a typical iridaceous trait.

Noun

1. a sword-shaped leaf; as of iris