trefoil

• Nom désignant une plante à feuilles trifoliées, comme celles des genres Medicago ou Trifolium, ou un ornement architectural composé de trois arcs disposés en cercle.

A noun referring to a plant with trifoliate leaves, such as those from the genera Medicago or Trifolium, or an architectural ornament consisting of three arcs arranged in a circle.

1. Herb of the genus MedicagoC1formalscientific

   Any of several Old World herbs belonging to the genus Medicago, characterized by small flowers and compound leaves with three leaflets.

   Luzerne (plante du genre Medicago)

   • The farmer identified the trefoil growing in the meadow as a type of Medicago.
   • Trefoil plants are often used as fodder for livestock.
   • The leaves of this trefoil are distinctly trifoliate.

   Synonymesmedick

2. Plant of the genus TrifoliumB2formalscientific

   A plant belonging to the genus Trifolium, commonly known as clover, with trifoliate leaves.

   Trèfle (plante du genre Trifolium)

   • The field was covered in white trefoil, a type of clover.
   • Bees are attracted to the nectar of trefoil flowers.
   • Trefoil is a common sight in pastures and lawns.

   Synonymesclover

3. Architectural ornamentC1formalart

   An ornamental design in architecture consisting of three arcs arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a three-lobed leaf.

   Trèfle (ornement architectural)

   • The Gothic cathedral featured a trefoil pattern in its stained glass window.
   • The stone carver skillfully chiseled a trefoil into the archway.
   • Trefoil ornaments are common in medieval church architecture.