rose-leaf

A single rose-leaf rests on the garden soil.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A leaf of a rose plant: "rose-leaf" refers to a single leaf that grows from a rose bush (Rosa species), typically composed of several smaller leaflets.
   • A petal of a rose flower: In some contexts, "rose-leaf" can also mean a single petal from a rose blossom, though this usage is less common and often considered poetic or informal.

Usage Examples

• Noun (leaf):

  • She picked a rose-leaf from the bush to press in her book. (A single leaf from a rose plant.)
  • The rose-leaf was covered in morning dew. (The leaf of a rose bush was wet.)

• Noun (petal, less common):

  • A rose-leaf fell onto the table during the dinner. (A petal from a rose flower dropped.)

Advanced Usage

• "Crumpled rose-leaf": A minor annoyance or irritation that spoils an otherwise pleasant experience. This is a fixed phrase derived from a Persian metaphor, often used in English literature.
  • The loud music was a crumpled rose-leaf in an otherwise perfect evening. (A small irritation that ruined the enjoyment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rose (n): the flower itself.

  • The garden was full of red roses. (The rose plants with their blossoms.)

• Rosebud (n): a young, unopened rose flower.

  • She held a delicate rosebud in her hand. (A small, closed rose flower.)

• Rosehip (n): the fruit of the rose plant, often used in teas and jams.

  • Rosehips are rich in vitamin C. (The berry-like fruit of the rose.)

Synonyms

• Leaflet: a small leaf or a division of a compound leaf (more precise botanical term).
• Petal: a segment of a flower's corolla (for the petal meaning).

Related Idioms

• A bed of roses: an easy, comfortable situation (often used in negative: "not a bed of roses").

  • His job is not a bed of roses. (His job is difficult.)

• Come up roses: to turn out perfectly or successfully.

  • Everything came up roses after she got the promotion. (Everything worked out well.)