English terms dictionary. 2015.
fig leaf — 1. The leaf from a fig tree. [PJC] 2. An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree, used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings in reference to the biblical story in Genesis… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
fig leaf — fig leaves 1) N COUNT A fig leaf is a large leaf which comes from the fig tree. A fig leaf is sometimes used in painting and sculpture to cover the genitals of a naked body. 2) N COUNT: usu with supp (disapproval) People sometimes refer… … English dictionary
Fig leaf — Fig Fig (f[i^]g), n. [F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig. Cf. {Fico}.] 1. (Bot.) A small fruit tree ({Ficus Carica}) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
fig leaf — fig ,leaf noun count 1. ) a leaf from a FIG tree. You often see a fig leaf covering the sex organs of people in paintings. 2. ) something that hides another thing that is considered morally wrong … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
fig leaf — fig′ leaf n. 1) pln the leaf of a fig tree 2) fia a representation of a fig leaf, esp. a cover for the genitalia on a statue or in a painting 3) something intended to conceal what may be considered improper … From formal English to slang
fig leaf — n. 1. a leaf of a fig tree 2. a representation of such a leaf used, as in sculpture, to conceal the genitals of a nude 3. anything intended to conceal … English World dictionary
fig leaf — n the large leaf of the fig tree, sometimes shown in paintings as covering people s sex organs … Dictionary of contemporary English
Fig leaf — A fig leaf is the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or disagreeable. The term is a metaphorical reference to the Biblical Book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the fruit … Wikipedia
fig leaf — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms fig leaf : singular fig leaf plural fig leaves 1) a leaf from a fig tree. You often see a fig leaf covering the sex organs of people in paintings. 2) something that hides another thing that is considered… … English dictionary
fig leaf — 1. the leaf of a fig tree. 2. a representation of a fig leaf, used as an ornament in architecture, as a cover for the genitalia on a statue or in a painting, etc. 3. something intended to conceal what may be considered indecorous or indecent: to… … Universalium
