Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words
Definition of perfoliate - 2 dictionary results

per⋅fo⋅li⋅ate

  [per-foh-lee-it, -eyt]
Use perfoliate in a Sentence
–adjective Botany.
having the stem apparently passing through the leaf, owing to congenital union of the basal edges of the leaf round the stem.
Origin:
1540–50; < NL perfoliātus (see per-, foliate ), the fem. of which, perfoliāta, was formerly used as the name of a plant with a stalk that seemed to grow through (pierce) its leafage

Related forms:
per⋅fo⋅li⋅a⋅tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To perfoliate
per·fo·li·ate   (pər-fō'lē-ĭt)   


(click for larger image in new window)
adj.  Of or relating to a sessile leaf or bract that completely clasps the stem and is apparently pierced by it.

[New Latin perfoliātus : Latin per-, per- + Latin foliātus, bearing leaves (from folium, leaf; see bhel-3 in Indo-European roots).]
per·fo'li·a'tion n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see perfoliate on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way