trefoil

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English

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Trifolium repens
Architectural trefoil

Etymology

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From Middle English trefoil, from Old French trifoil, trefeul, from Latin trifolium, from tri- (“three”) + folium (“leaf”).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈtɹɛ.fɔɪl/, /ˈtɹiː.fɔɪl/

Noun

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trefoil (plural trefoils)

  1. Any of several plants of the pea family, having compound, trifoliate leaves; especially one of the genus Trifolium.
  2. A symbol having the shape of such leaves, especially when used as an architectural ornament.
    Synonym: threefoil
    • 2015 June 16, David DeMar, “Ancient Pitcher Discovered in Historic Danish City”, in New Historian:
      "The pristine, unbroken condition of the vessel – sometimes called a trefoil jug – caused the entire dig to 'come to a halt,' Søvsø remarked."
  3. (topology) Ellipsis of trefoil knot.

Coordinate terms

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Derived terms

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terms derived from trefoil
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Translations

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Anagrams

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