1. lacking leaves or having no leaves; leafless
Usage: botanical term; formal/technical

Examples

• The aphyllous cactus survives in the desert by storing water in its stem rather than in leaves.
• During winter, many deciduous trees become aphyllous until spring arrives.
• The botanist identified the plant as aphyllous, noting the complete absence of leaf structures.
• Some aphyllous species have adapted to reduce water loss in arid environments.
• The aphyllous branches of the shrub were clearly visible against the snow.