Definition

Noun: * Leaflet; foliole: A single, small leaf-like unit that is part of a compound leaf. A compound leaf is made up of multiple leaflets arranged along a common stalk (rachis).

Usage

• Lá chét is a botanical term used specifically to describe the individual segments of a compound leaf. It is not used for a simple, single leaf (which is lá).
• It is often used when describing the leaves of plants like roses, acacias, mimosa, or peas.

Examples

• (The leaf of a rose plant usually has from 3 to 7 leaflets.)
• (Each leaflet is oval-shaped and has a serrated edge.)
• (The botanist carefully observed the number of leaflets on each leaf stalk.)

Advanced Usage / Technical Context

• In detailed botanical descriptions, the arrangement, shape, and number of lá chét are key identifying features for plant species.
• The central stem of a compound leaf, to which the leaflets are attached, is called the cuống lá chính or trục lá (rachis).

Variants and Related Words

• Lá kép (Compound leaf): The complete leaf structure composed of multiple leaflets.
• Cuống lá chét (Petiolule): The small stalk of an individual leaflet.
• Lá đơn (Simple leaf): A leaf with a single, undivided blade.

Synonyms

• Tử diệp (a less common synonym, also meaning leaflet/foliole).

Notes

• Do not confuse lá chét with lá. Lá is a general term for "leaf" and can refer to either a simple leaf or the entire compound structure. Lá chét refers only to the individual parts of a compound leaf.
• The word chét in this context is specific to botany and is not used independently with this meaning.

1. (thực vật) leaflet; foliole