three-leaved
|three-leaved|
/ˌθriːˈliːvd/
having three leaves
Etymology
'three-leaved' originates from Old English elements: 'three' from Old English 'þrīe'/'þrēo', where 'þrīe/þrēo' meant 'three', and 'leaved' from Old English 'lēaf' with the adjectival suffix '-ed' meaning 'having leaves'.
'three-leaved' changed from Middle English compound forms such as 'three-leafed' or 'thre-lef(t)ed' and eventually stabilized in modern English as 'three-leaved'.
Initially it meant 'having three leaves' and this basic descriptive meaning has remained essentially unchanged into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having three leaves or leaflets (used of plants or plant parts).
A three-leaved clover is commonly associated with good luck.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 12:27