Phrase guide

scale leaf

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A small flat leaf resembling a scale, such as on many conifers.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: biology, botany, natural-sciences

Examples

  • An individual flower that is subtended by a scale leaf at its junction with the stem of a plant; a rudimentary leaf.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A small modified leaf, especially a colorless membranous one, such as on a rhizome or forming part of a bulb.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: biology, botany, natural-sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

a specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: scale

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: leaf, leafage, foliage

Narrower terms: squamule

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: fulla carnosa — modified leaf, forming part of a bulb
  • Hungarian: allevél — modified leaf, forming part of a bulb
  • Hungarian: allevelek — modified leaf, forming part of a bulb