trifoliate

views updated May 21 2018

tri·fo·li·ate / trīˈfōlē-it; -ˌāt/ • adj. (of a compound leaf) having three leaflets: dark green trifoliate leaves. ∎  (of a plant) having such leaves. ∎  (of an object or design) having the form of such a leaf: a bronze trifoliate key handle.• n. a plant with such leaves: poison ivy is a thornless trifoliate.

trifoliate

views updated May 14 2018

trifoliate Applied to leaves that are composed of 3 leaflets.