leaf
leaf — noun
1. A flat, green growth on a plant stem or branch that uses sunlight to produce foo
A flat, green growth on a plant stem or branch that uses sunlight to produce food for the plant.
In autumn, the maple tree in our garden turns red before its leaves fall off.
collocation: leaves fall off
Mizuki picked up a dry leaf from the ground and pressed it into her notebook.
The caterpillar was eating tiny holes through the young leaves of the rose bush.
Each leaf on the fern was shaped like a small, green feather.
Imani wiped dust off the large leaves of her rubber plant.
常見錯誤
2. Describes a plant or tree at a time when it is covered with fully grown leaves.
Describes a plant or tree at a time when it is covered with fully grown leaves.
The oak trees in the park are already in leaf by early May.
idiomatic phrase: in leaf
Hugo knew spring had arrived when the cherry trees along the lane were in leaf.
Unlike most trees, the cedar stays in leaf even during the coldest months.
Faisal prefers deciduous trees because they look so different when they are in leaf.
- leafy
an adjective describing a plant that has many leaves; broader than 'in leaf'
- bare
describes a tree without any leaves, especially in winter
文法句型
be in leaf
用法筆記
This sense only occurs in the fixed phrases 'in leaf' and 'stay in leaf.' It cannot combine with other prepositions — forms like 'on leaf' or 'with leaf' are incorrect.
常見錯誤
3. A phrase describing a plant or tree that is starting to produce new leaves from
A phrase describing a plant or tree that is starting to produce new leaves from its branches, commonly happening at the start of spring.
The apple trees in the orchard come into leaf around mid-April every year.
phrasal pattern: come into leaf
Christopher noticed the willow by the river had come into leaf overnight.
If the weather stays warm, the rose bushes will come into leaf earlier this year.
Noa took a photo of the beech tree every day until it came into leaf.
文法句型
come into leaf
用法筆記
This describes a process (beginning to grow leaves), not a completed state. To describe a plant that already has leaves, use 'in leaf' (sense 2) instead.
常見錯誤
4. A single sheet of paper in a book, magazine, or manuscript, with writing or prin
A single sheet of paper in a book, magazine, or manuscript, with writing or printing on one or both sides.
A loose leaf had fallen out of the old novel and onto the library floor.
collocation: loose leaf
The printer copied the report on both sides of each leaf to save paper.
collocation: both sides of each leaf
Hugo carefully turned each leaf of the manuscript, afraid to tear the fragile paper.
The first leaf of the book had the title in gold above a sketch.
5. A flat board that forms part of a table's top and may be slid into position or s
A flat board that forms part of a table's top and may be slid into position or stored underneath, allowing the table surface to be enlarged or reduced.
Andrés pulled out the table leaf so all ten guests could sit together.
collocation: pull out the leaf
When not in use, the two table leaves slide under the main surface.
mechanical action: slide under
Élise stored the extra leaf behind the dresser in the hallway.
The antique walnut table has a single leaf that lifts up and locks into place.
- extension
a more general term; a table leaf is a type of extension
6. Gold, silver, or another precious metal that has been beaten or pressed into a v
Gold, silver, or another precious metal that has been beaten or pressed into a very thin, flexible sheet, used as a decorative covering.
The artist applied gold leaf to the picture frame with a soft brush.
material: gold leaf
The craftsman used silver leaf to decorate the dome of the old temple.
material: silver leaf
Mayumi bought a small wooden box covered in gold leaf at the artisan market.
The calligrapher added touches of gold leaf to the letters on the wedding invitation.
用法筆記
When combined with a metal name, no article is used: 'gold leaf,' 'silver leaf,' not 'a gold leaf.' Can also be used as a compound modifier: 'gold-leaf decoration.'
常見錯誤
leaf — verb
1. If a plant or tree leafs, it produces new leaves from its branches or stems, esp
If a plant or tree leafs, it produces new leaves from its branches or stems, especially during spring.
The old oak tree in the garden is leafing earlier than it did last spring.
progressive form: is leafing
By late March, most of the hedgerows along the lane had started to leaf.
Emily watched the walnut tree leaf out in the warmth of the spring sunshine.
The rose bushes leafed quickly after the week of steady rain in April.
- sprout
can mean producing leaves but more commonly refers to new shoots growing from seeds or stems
文法句型
leaf out
用法筆記
Frequently used in the form 'leaf out' to emphasise the process of leaves unfolding. More common in horticultural and gardening contexts than in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
2. To turn the pages of a book, magazine, or pile of papers quickly, looking at par
To turn the pages of a book, magazine, or pile of papers quickly, looking at parts without reading every word carefully.
Imani leafed through the fashion magazine while waiting for her train at the station.
phrasal: leaf through [publication]
Christopher leafed through a photo album from his childhood, smiling at the old pictures.
The student leafed through the textbook trying to find the right chapter before the exam.
Noa was leafing through a pile of documents when she found the missing contract.
- browse
more general — can refer to looking at items in a shop or online, not just pages
- skim
emphasises reading quickly for the main ideas rather than physical page-turning
- flip through
more common in American English; same meaning
- study
to read something carefully and in detail
文法句型
leaf through [book/document]
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'through' (leaf through a book, magazine, document). The object is the book or publication, not individual pages. The similar verb 'flip through' is more common in American English.