TREFOIL Meaning and
Definition
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Trefoil is a noun that refers to a small plant or herb characterized by having three leaves or leaflets. It is derived from the Latin word trifolium, which means "three-leaved." The term "trefoil" is commonly used to describe any plant or symbol that exhibits this specific characteristic.
Botanically, trefoil plants are part of the legume family, Fabaceae, and are found across various habitats around the world. Examples of trefoil plants include the clover, black medic, and bird's foot trefoil. These plants typically have trifoliate leaves arranged in a distinctive manner, with one leaflet located at the tip of the stem, and the other two leaflets positioned on opposite sides near the base.
The trefoil symbol, often depicted as a stylized representation of the three-leafed plant, holds prominent significance in various fields. It is commonly associated with luck, prosperity, and faith. Additionally, trefoils are frequently used as a decorative motif in art, architecture, and heraldry.
In heraldry, a trefoil is a figure with three rounded lobes or petals, and it is commonly used to represent personal characteristics such as the Trinitarian faith or the Holy Trinity in Christian iconography. In botanical classification, trefoil is also used as a common name for plants with three leaflets, distinguishing them from other plants with a different number of leaves.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A three-leaved plant, as clover; an architectural ornament resembling the three-leaved clover.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TREFOIL
Etymology of TREFOIL
The word trefoil comes from the Old French word troefeuil, which is a combination of the Latin words tres meaning three, and folium meaning leaf. This is because a trefoil is a plant or a symbol with three leaves or petals. The tre- prefix in the word indicates the number three, and foil refers to a leaf or petal, similar to the word foliage.
Similar spelling words for TREFOIL
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