Foliage

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈfəʊliɪdÊ’/
• US IPA: /ˈfoÊŠliɪdÊ’/

Alternative forms

• dialectal, nonstandard foilage

Origin

From Late Middle English foilage, from Middle French feuillage. The more recent form is influenced by the Latin etymon folium.

Full definition of foliage

Noun

1. The leaves of plants.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 5, Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume ; … ; she saw a crimson cardinal winging through the foliage, and amorous tanagers flashing like scarlet flames athwart the pines.
2. (Short for:) fall foliage
3. An architectural ornament representing foliage.