Foliole

/ˈfoʊliəʊl/ noun

Definition

A small leaf or leaflet, especially one of the individual leaflets that make up a compound leaf.

Etymology

From Latin 'foliolum,' the diminutive form of 'folium' (leaf), used in botany to distinguish small leaflets from larger full leaves.

Kelly Says

Each tiny piece of a fern frond is a foliole—and ferns have thousands of them, creating an almost feathery appearance that lets them thrive in shady forest floors where big leaves would be too heavy.

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