trefoils
|tre-foils|
/ˈtrɛfɔɪlz/
(trefoil)
three-leaved / three-lobed
Etymology
'trefoil' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'trifolium', where 'tri-' meant 'three' and 'folium' meant 'leaf'.
'trifolium' changed into Old French forms (e.g. 'trefle') and Middle English 'trefoile', and eventually became the modern English word 'trefoil'.
Initially, it meant 'three-leaved (plant)' in Latin, and over time it also came to refer to the three-lobed decorative form; both senses survive in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'trefoil': a plant with three-lobed leaves, especially plants of the clover genus (three-leaved plants).
The meadow was covered with trefoils.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'trefoil': a three-lobed decorative or architectural form or motif (a three-lobed ornament or design).
The church windows featured medieval trefoils carved into the stone.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 11:56