perfoliate
|per-fo-li-ate|
🇺🇸
/pərˈfoʊ.li.eɪt/
🇬🇧
/pəˈfɔː.li.eɪt/
leaf pierced by stem
Etymology
'perfoliate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perfoliatus,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'folium' meant 'leaf.'
'perfoliatus' changed from Medieval Latin to the English word 'perfoliate' and eventually became the modern English word 'perfoliate'.
Initially, it meant 'having leaves pierced by the stem,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage, especially in botany.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make or become perfoliate; to develop perfoliate leaves or structures.
Some species perfoliate as they mature.
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'perfoliate'.
The leaves perfoliated during the spring.
Adjective 1
having the base of the leaf or similar organ completely surrounding the stem, so that the stem appears to pass through it.
The plant has perfoliate leaves that encircle the stem.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/26 16:19