compound leaf

noun

1. a leaf composed of a number of leaflets on a common stalk, arranged either palmately, as the fingers of a hand, or pinnately, as the leaflets of a fern; the leaflets themselves may be compound.

compound leaf

noun

1. a leaf consisting of two or more leaflets borne on the same leafstalk

compound leaf

1. A leaf that is composed of two or more leaflets on a common stalk. Clover, roses, sumac, and walnut trees have compound leaves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compound leaf¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Each frond might stretch to two feet, with 30 or so opposing, compound leaves.

From Washington Post

This one features incredible texture with its compound leaves in the form of double whorls on the end of wiry, purple stems.

From Seattle Times

Prevention: Learn to identify this plant, which has compound leaves arranged in leaflets of three — and avoid it.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a result, the body absorbs little or no calories and 90 percent of the chemical compound leaves the body through human waste and enters sewage systems.”

From Scientific American

Herbs or shrubs, with alternate mostly compound leaves.

From Project Gutenberg