trefoil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “trefoil” mean?
A plant with leaves divided into three lobes, such as clover, or a shape or symbol resembling this.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant with leaves divided into three lobes, such as clover, or a shape or symbol resembling this.
Used in architecture for three-lobed ornamental forms, in heraldry as a charge, and symbolically representing the Trinity or luck in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similarly associated with clover and luck in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “trefoil” in a Sentence
adorned with a trefoilin the shape of a trefoilVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trefoil” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a trefoil window
American English
- a trefoil emblem
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in design or branding related to nature or symbolism.
Academic
Common in fields like botany, architecture, art history, and mathematics.
Everyday
Seldom used; typically in contexts discussing clover or lucky symbols.
Technical
Frequent in specific terminology, e.g., 'trefoil knot' in topology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trefoil”
- Using 'trefoil' to describe any leaf with multiple lobes, not specifically three.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Trefoil often refers to clover, but it can also mean any three-lobed shape, while clover is a specific plant genus.
In architecture, trefoil describes ornamental forms with three lobes, commonly found in windows, arches, and tracery.
Symbolically, trefoil represents luck (from four-leaf clover) or the Holy Trinity in Christian iconography.
No, trefoil is a low-frequency word mostly used in technical, academic, or specific cultural contexts.
A plant with leaves divided into three lobes, such as clover, or a shape or symbol resembling this.
Trefoil is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Trefoil: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtriːfɔɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrefɔɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'three' and 'foil' (leaf) – a three-lobed leaf like a clover.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often symbolizes luck, faith (from the Holy Trinity), or natural harmony.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'trefoil' primarily refer to?