Dictionary
foliage
noun fo·liage \ˈfō-lē-ij also -lyij; ÷ˈfō-lij, ÷ˈfȯi-lij\
: the leaves of a plant or of many plants
Full Definition of FOLIAGE
1
: a representation of leaves, flowers, and branches for architectural ornamentation
2
: the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants
3
: a cluster of leaves, flowers, and branches
— fo·liaged \-lē-ijd also -lyijd; ÷ˈfō-lijd, ÷ˈfȯi-\ adjective
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Usage Discussion of FOLIAGE
The disyllabic pronunciation \ˈfō-lij\ is very common. Some commentators insist that foliage requires a trisyllabic pronunciation because of its spelling, but words of a similar pattern such as carriage and marriage do not fall under their prescription. The pronunciation \ˈfȯi-lij\ is disapproved because it suggests the transposition of the l and i in the spelling. It is not as common as \ˈfō-lij\ and may be associated with the nonstandard spelling foilage.
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Origin of FOLIAGE
Middle French fuellage, from foille leaf — more at foil
First Known Use: 1598
Other Botany Terms
FOLIAGE Defined for Kids
foliage
noun fo·li·age \ˈfō-lē-ij\
Definition of FOLIAGE for Kids
: the leaves of a plant
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