table-leaf
Definition
Noun: A "table-leaf" is an extendable section of a table's surface that can be added or removed to change the table's size, often hinged or inserted to accommodate more seating or space.
Usage Examples
- (An extra section of the table was inserted to increase its length.)
- (The hinged section is lowered to reduce the table's size.)
Advanced Usage
- "to put in a table-leaf": to install an extension piece into a table.
- Before the party, we put in the table-leaf to enlarge the dining area. (We inserted the extra panel.)
- "table-leaf hinge": the mechanical joint that allows the leaf to swing up or down.
- The table-leaf hinge was rusty, making it difficult to lift the leaf. (The pivot mechanism needed repair.)
Variants and Related Words
- Table-flap (n): a synonym for table-leaf, especially one that folds down.
- The table-flap was lowered to make the table compact for storage. (The hinged leaf was folded down.)
- Drop-leaf table (n): a table with one or more hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered.
- She owns a drop-leaf table that expands for guests. (A table with extendable sections.)
- Extension leaf (n): a removable panel for a table, often stored separately.
- The extension leaf was stored in the closet until needed. (The extra table section.)
Synonyms
- Extension panel: a flat piece added to enlarge a surface.
- Table extender: a device or section that increases a table's length or width.
Related Idioms
- "to leaf out": (rare) to extend a table by adding a leaf.
- We leafed out the table for the holiday feast. (We added the table-leaf.)
- "on the leaf": (informal) referring to the extended portion of a table.
- Place the dishes on the leaf for extra serving space. (On the added section.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Leaf up: to raise or insert a table-leaf.
- He leafed up the table-leaf to prepare for the meeting. (He lifted and secured the extension.)
- Leaf down: to lower or remove a table-leaf.
- After dinner, she leafed down the table-leaf to tidy the room. (She folded it away.)