foliate

[ adjective foh-lee-it, -eyt; verb foh-lee-eyt ]

adjective

1. covered with or having leaves.
2. like a leaf, as in shape.
3. Also Architecture.
   1. ornamented with or composed of foil:

      foliate tracery.

   2. ornamented with representations of foliage:

      a foliate capital.

4. Petrology, Mineralogy. foliated ( def 2 ).

verb (used without object)

, fo·li·at·ed, fo·li·at·ing.

1. to put forth leaves.
2. to split into thin leaflike layers or laminae.

verb (used with object)

, fo·li·at·ed, fo·li·at·ing.

1. to shape like a leaf or leaves.
2. to decorate with foils or foliage.
3. to form into thin sheets.
4. to spread over with a thin metallic backing.
5. Printing. to number the folios or leaves, as distinguished from pages, of (a manuscript or book).

foliate

adjective

1. 1. relating to, possessing, or resembling leaves
   2. in combination

      trifoliate

2. (of certain metamorphic rocks, esp schists) having the constituent minerals arranged in thin leaflike layers

verb

1. tr to ornament with foliage or with leaf forms such as foils
2. to hammer or cut (metal) into thin plates or foil
3. tr to coat or back (glass, etc) with metal foil
4. tr to number the leaves of (a book, manuscript, etc) Compare paginate
5. intr (of plants) to grow leaves

Other Words From

• sub·foli·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliate¹

First recorded in 1620–30, foliate is from the Latin word foliātus leafy. See folium, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliate¹

C17: from Latin foliātus leaved, leafy

Example Sentences

High pillars with crocketed and foliate capitals supported the springing of the large irregular arches.

From Project Gutenberg

The general effect of the design remained the same, but the foliate ornamentation gave place to angular outlines.

From Project Gutenberg

The capitals of the naves triforium are said to mark the culmination of Gothic art in foliate design.

From Project Gutenberg

The south portal (c. 1260), sculptured with elaborate foliate ornament, has images of unequal merit.

From Project Gutenberg

The triforium was begun elaborately, with much foliate decoration, but economy soon forced the architect to adopt a simpler plan.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fresh
• grassy
• leafy
• lush
• raw
• tender
• verdant