plain-leaved
|plain-leaved|
/ˈpleɪnˌliːvd/
having plain (simple or unvariegated) leaves
Etymology
'plain-leaved' is a Modern English compound formed from 'plain' + 'leaved' (the adjectival form of 'leaf'). 'Plain' ultimately comes from Latin 'planus' via Old French 'plain/plaine', where 'planus' meant 'flat, level, plain'. 'Leaf' comes from Old English 'lēaf' (from Proto-Germanic '*laubą') meaning 'leaf'.
'plain' entered English through Old French from Latin 'planus'; 'leaf' is inherited from Old English 'lēaf'. The compound and adjectival -ed formation ('leaved' meaning 'having leaves') arose in Modern English to describe the character of leaves, producing 'plain-leaved'.
Initially the components referred to 'flat/simple' (from 'plain') and 'leaf' (from 'leaf'); the compound has been used descriptively in botanical contexts to mean simply 'having plain or undivided leaves' and has retained that specific descriptive sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having simple (not compound) leaves — i.e., leaves consisting of a single undivided blade rather than multiple leaflets.
The shrub is plain-leaved, with single, undivided blades rather than compound leaves.
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Adjective 2
having leaves that are plain in color or pattern — i.e., not variegated or marked.
This cultivar is plain-leaved and lacks the variegation seen in other varieties.
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Last updated: 2025/10/06 15:51