leaf: Meaning and Definition of

leaf

Pronunciation: (lēf), [key]
— n., pl. v. leaves
—n.
  1. one of the expanded, usually green organs borne by the stem of a plant.
  2. any similar or corresponding lateral outgrowth of a stem.
  3. a petal: a rose leaf.
  4. leaves collectively; foliage.
  5. a unit generally comprising two printed, blank, or illustrated pages of a book, one on each side.
  6. a thin sheet of metal: silver leaf.
  7. a lamina or layer.
  8. a sliding, hinged, or detachable flat part, as of a door or tabletop.
  9. a section of a drawbridge.
  10. a single strip of metal in a leaf spring.
  11. a tooth of a small gear wheel, as of a pinion.
  12. See
  13. shaft (def. 14).
  14. covered with foliage; having leaves: the pale green tint of the woods newly in leaf.
  15. to follow someone's example; imitate: Some countries that took a leaf out of American industry's book are now doing very well for themselves.
  16. to begin anew; make a fresh start: Every New Year's we make resolutions to turn over a new leaf.
—v.i.
  1. to put forth leaves.
  2. to turn pages, esp. quickly (usually fol. by through): to leaf through a book.
—v.t.
  1. to thumb or turn, as the pages of a book or magazine, in a casual or cursory inspection of the contents.

Leaf

Pronunciation: (lēf), [key]
  1. 1905–76, U.S. author and illustrator of books for children.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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