trifoliate

adjective

tri·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)trī-ˈfō-lē-ət How to pronounce trifoliate (audio)
1
: having three leaves
a trifoliate plant
2

Examples of trifoliate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaves are trifoliate and a lovely blue-green in color, presenting a perfect contrast to the brilliant yellow pigmentation of its flowers, a color that has been described as startling, electric, phosphorescent and high voltage. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tri- + Latin folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trifoliate was circa 1753

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trifoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trifoliate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!