leaf
[ leef ]
/ lif /
noun, plural leaves [leevz] /livz/.
verb (used without object)
to put forth leaves.
to turn pages, especially quickly (usually followed by through): to leaf through a book.
verb (used with object)
to thumb or turn, as the pages of a book or magazine, in a casual or cursory inspection of the contents.
Idioms for leaf
Origin of leaf
before 900; Middle English
leef, lef, Old English
lēaf; cognate with Dutch
loof, German
Laub, Old Norse
lauf, Gothic
laufs
OTHER WORDS FROM leaf
leaf·less, adjective leaf·like, adjective un·leaf, verb (used with object) un·leaf·like, adjectiveWords nearby leaf
British Dictionary definitions for turn over a new leaf
leaf
/ (liːf) /
noun plural leaves (liːvz)
verb
(when intr, usually foll by through)
to turn (through pages, sheets, etc) cursorily
(intr)
(of plants) to produce leaves
Derived forms of leaf
leafless, adjective leaflessness, noun leaflike, adjectiveWord Origin for leaf
Old English; related to Gothic
laufs, Icelandic
lauf
Scientific definitions for turn over a new leaf
leaf
[ lēf ]
An appendage growing from the stem of a plant. Leaves are extremely variable in form and function according to species. For example, the needles of pine trees, the spines of cacti, and the bright red parts of the poinsettia plant are all leaves modified for different purposes. However, most leaves are flat and green and adapted to capturing sunlight and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They consist of an outer tissue layer (the epidermis) through which water and gases are exchanged, a spongy inner layer of cells that contain chloroplasts, and veins that supply water and minerals and carry out food. Some leaves are simple, while others are compound, consisting of multiple leaflets. The flat part of the leaf, the blade, is often attached to the stem by a leafstalk.
Cultural definitions for turn over a new leaf
turn over a new leaf
To begin anew; to change one's ways: “Since he was grounded, Larry has turned over a new leaf and does his homework every night.”
Idioms and Phrases with turn over a new leaf (1 of 2)
turn over a new leaf
Make a fresh start, change one's conduct or attitude for the better, as in He promised the teacher he would turn over a new leaf and behave himself in class. This expression alludes to turning the page of a book to a new page. [Early 1500s]
Idioms and Phrases with turn over a new leaf (2 of 2)
leaf