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1Of a perianth, calyx, corolla, etc.: having or consisting of many separate members; not united. Opposed to monophyllous, gamophyllous. Compare polypetalous , polysepalous . Now chiefly historical.
2Of a plant, thallus, leaf, etc.: having or consisting of many leaves or leaf-like parts.
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Martyn (1735–1825), botanist. From poly- + -phyllous, probably after scientific Latin polyphyllus in plant names.