microphyllous
|mi-cro-phil-lous|
/ˌmaɪkrəˈfɪləs/
having small single-veined leaves
Etymology
'microphyllous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'microphyllus', where the Greek prefix 'mikros' meant 'small' and 'phyllon' meant 'leaf', plus the English adjectival suffix '-ous' meaning 'having'.
'microphyllous' changed from New Latin 'microphyllus' (formed from Greek elements) and entered English scientific usage as 'microphyllous' to describe plants with small single-veined leaves.
Initially, it meant 'having small leaves (microphylls)', and over time it has retained this specific botanical meaning in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having microphylls: having small leaves with a single, unbranched vein (used in botany).
Many primitive vascular plants are microphyllous, bearing simple leaves with a single vein.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/12 15:22