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Serrate

/SER-ayt/
🍃 Leaf Shapes Basic

Also known as: saw-toothed, toothed

A leaf margin with sharp teeth pointing forward toward the apex of the leaf, resembling the teeth of a saw. Distinguished from dentate (teeth pointing outward) and crenate (rounded teeth).

Etymology

From Latin serratus, meaning "saw-toothed," from serra (saw).

Example

Elm leaves have a doubly serrate margin that aids in identification.

Related Terms