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Foliate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foliate

[ˈfəʊlɪeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in botany

To grow or develop leaves; to unfold or unroll a leaf or leaves.

Synonyms

leaf out, unfurl leaves.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foliate

Often used in scientific or botanical contexts to describe the process of producing leaves or leaf-like structures.

  • The plant began to foliate rapidly with the arrival of spring.
  • The intricate design featured foliate patterns typical of Gothic architecture.
leaf out

Commonly used in everyday language to describe when trees or plants start growing new leaves, especially in the spring.

  • In early April, the oak trees began to leaf out.
  • We watched the garden leaf out after the long winter.
unfurl leaves

Typically used to describe the action of leaves spreading out or unrolling, often in a descriptive or literary context.

  • The fern began to unfurl its delicate leaves as the sun rose.
  • After weeks of care, the young plant finally started to unfurl leaves.

Examples of usage

  • The plants begin to foliate in the spring.
  • During the summer, the trees foliate beautifully.
  • The ferns foliate gracefully in the shade.
Context #2 | Verb

in architecture

To decorate with foliage or leaf-like patterns.

Synonyms

adorn with leaf patterns, ornament with foliage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foliate

Similar to the first entry, this term is used in artistic and design contexts, referring to the incorporation of leaf-like designs. It can also be used in architecture to describe designs on columns and other structures.

  • The medieval church had foliated capitals on the columns, adding beauty to its architecture.
ornament with foliage

This phrase is best used when talking about decorating with actual leaves or foliage, either real or in decorative formats.

  • They decided to ornament the festival stage with foliage to create a lush, green atmosphere.
adorn with leaf patterns

This phrase is appropriate when describing the action of decorating an object or surface with designs that feature leaves.

  • He adorned the wedding invitation with leaf patterns to give it a natural, elegant feel.

Examples of usage

  • The columns were foliated with intricate designs.
  • The ceiling was beautifully foliated with floral motifs.
Context #3 | Adjective

in geology

Marked with thin leaf-like layers.

Synonyms

layered, leaf-like.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foliate

Typically used in a botanical or artistic context to describe something that has leaves or is decorated with leaf-like designs.

  • The medieval manuscript was exquisitely foliate, with intricate leaf patterns adorning the margins.
  • The architect designed a foliate pattern for the building's facade.
leaf-like

Describes something that resembles a leaf in appearance or texture. Often used in scientific or descriptive contexts.

  • The plant had leaf-like structures that were actually modified stems.
  • The artist used a leaf-like design to create texture in the painting.
layered

Used to describe something that has multiple levels or strata. Can be physical layers, such as cakes or geological formations, or metaphorical, like complex stories.

  • The cake was beautifully layered with chocolate and vanilla.
  • The movie had a layered plot that kept the audience engaged.

Examples of usage

  • The foliate rock formation was stunning.
  • The foliate structure of the mineral was examined under the microscope.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'foliate'

The word 'foliate' originated from the Latin word 'foliatus', which is derived from 'folium' meaning 'leaf'. The term has been used in various fields such as botany, architecture, and geology to describe growth, decoration, or structure resembling leaves or leaf-like patterns.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,491 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.