variegated-leaved
|va-ri-e-ga-ted-leaved|
🇺🇸
/ˈvɛriəˌɡeɪtɪd-liːvd/
🇬🇧
/ˈværɪɡeɪtɪd-liːvd/
having leaves with mixed/varied colors
Etymology
'variegated-leaved' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'variegated' and 'leaved'. 'Variegated' ultimately comes from Latin 'variegatus' (from 'variare' meaning 'to change, diversify'), and 'leaf' comes from Old English 'lēaf' meaning 'leaf'.
'variegated' passed into English via Late Latin/Old French (Latin 'variegatus' > Old French/Medieval forms > Middle English 'variegaten'/'variegate'), becoming modern English 'variegated'. 'Leaved' is formed from 'leaf' + the adjectival/past participle suffix '-ed' to mean 'having leaves'.
Initially, components referred generally to 'various/changed' (variegated) and 'leaf'. Over time the compound has come to mean specifically 'having leaves that show variegation (different colors or markings)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having leaves that are variegated — marked with patches, streaks, or spots of different colors (usually lighter and darker areas on the leaf surface).
The variegated-leaved plant brightened the windowsill.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/23 11:57