broad-leaved

[ brawd-leevd ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. of or relating to plants having broad or relatively broad leaves, rather than needles.

broad-leaved

adjective

1. denoting trees other than conifers, most of which have broad rather than needle-shaped leaves

broad-leaved

/ brôd′lēvd′ /

1. Having broad leaves rather than needlelike or scalelike leaves. Broad leaves are adapted to maximizing photosynthesis by capturing large amounts of sunlight. Since the gases that are exchanged with the atmosphere in photosynthesis must be dissolved in water, most broad-leaved plants grow in regions with dependable rainfall.
2. See more at leaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of broad-leaved¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

Among trees the feathery, fern-like foliage of the bamboo is most in evidence; but the broad-leaved banana ranks easily next.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind, the broad leaved shrubbery gossiped softly with the wind, and from the lower main terrace came music and laughing voices.

From Project Gutenberg

Escarole is a broad-leaved variety that is grown more or less in a head.

From Project Gutenberg

The branching broad-leaved canes, with strange white flowers, is Arrowroot.

From Project Gutenberg

They are made of rushes, or a kind of broad-leaved grass, split at the stem, and are worked in a variety of patterns.

From Project Gutenberg