# leaf /ˈɫif/ (US) · /lˈiːf/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leaf Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. part of a plant noun · CEFR A1 the flat, usually green part of a plant that grows from a stem or branch. For teachers: the primary lateral appendage of a vascular plant stem, usually specialized for photosynthesis. - In the autumn, the leaves on the trees turn from green to bright red and orange. - The botanist examined the underside of the leaf for signs of fungal infection that might threaten the entire crop. ### 2. a page in a book noun · CEFR B2 a single sheet of paper in a book or magazine, which has two pages. For teachers: a single sheet of paper in a bound publication, comprising a recto and a verso page. - He carefully turned the leaf of the old book to avoid tearing the fragile paper. - The manuscript was missing a single leaf, which unfortunately contained the most critical part of the historical record. ### 3. thin metal noun · CEFR B2 metal that has been beaten into a very thin sheet, often used for decoration. For teachers: metal, especially gold or silver, that has been beaten or rolled into an extremely thin film for gilding or decorative purposes. - The artist applied gold leaf to the picture frame to make it look expensive. - Restoration of the cathedral's altar required several books of genuine gold leaf to match the original eighteenth-century finish. ### 4. table extension noun · CEFR B2 an extra piece that you can add to a table to make it longer. For teachers: a hinged or removable section of a table top designed to extend its surface area. - We had to put the extra leaf in the dining table to fit all twelve guests. - The antique mahogany table features a central leaf that can be stored internally when not in use. ### 5. computing/math noun · CEFR C1 · Technical in a diagram that looks like a tree, a point at the end that has no more branches. For teachers: in a tree data structure, a node that has no child nodes; the terminal vertex of a tree graph. - The algorithm stops searching once it reaches a leaf in the decision tree. - Efficient traversal of the hierarchical structure requires identifying all leaf nodes before initiating the final calculation phase. ### 6. cannabis noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal a slang word for marijuana. For teachers: a slang term for cannabis or marijuana, referring to the plant's distinctive foliage. - He was caught carrying a small bag of leaf in his pocket. - The local authorities have seen a rise in the distribution of high-potency leaf across the urban districts. ### 7. to turn pages verb · CEFR B1 to turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly without reading everything. For teachers: to turn over the pages of a book or periodical, typically while skimming or looking for something specific; usually takes 'through'. - I spent the afternoon leafing through old fashion magazines at the doctor's office. - While waiting for the interview, she nervously leafed through her portfolio, checking that every document was in the correct order. Usage: Usually used with the preposition 'through'. ### 8. to grow leaves verb · CEFR C1 · Technical when a plant starts to grow new leaves. For teachers: to produce or put forth new foliage; to begin the seasonal growth of leaves. - The trees usually begin to leaf in late April as the weather gets warmer. - The orchard began to leaf early this year due to an unseasonably warm February, putting the blossoms at risk of a late frost. ## Examples - The autumn leaf fell slowly from the tree. - During the spring, the oak tree produces a fresh green leaf on every small branch. - Botanists can often identify a tree species simply by examining the shape and vein pattern of a single leaf collected from the forest floor. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.