Biternate

/baɪˈtɜɹnət/ adjective

Definition

In botany, a leaf or leaflet structure that is divided into three parts twice, creating nine smaller segments.

Etymology

From bi- (two) + ternate (from Latin ternarius, 'consisting of three'). This botanical term combines the Latin prefix for 'two' with the Latin root for 'three' to describe a specific leaf arrangement.

Kelly Says

If you see a biternate leaf, count the leaflets and you'll find nine arranged in groups of three—it's like nature's way of doing multiplication with leaves, and botanists needed one word to describe this exact pattern.

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