scale leaf

noun

1. a scalelike leaf, as a bud scale or certain bracts.

scale leaf

noun

1. a modified leaf, often small and membranous, protecting buds, etc
2. any of the leaves of some conifers, such as cypresses, that are small and tightly pressed to the stem

Word History and Origins

Origin of scale leaf¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Yet its scale leaves a lot of room for error.

From Washington Post

All the information Moaiandin received was publicly available, but the ability to link the profiles to mobile numbers on such a large scale leaves the system open to abuse.

From The Guardian

The protective scale leaves fall when they are no longer needed.

From Project Gutenberg

Plants without green color; leafless or with scale leaves only — 2. 1b.

From Project Gutenberg

The stems are closely spreading on the ground, rooting sometimes at the lower nodes, branching freely, profusely leafy at the base, covered by a few scale leaves, and 2 to 12 inches long.

From Project Gutenberg