phylla

Noun

phyllon (countable and uncountable, plural phylla)

1. (countable, especially, uncommon) A leaf, or something (flat) resembling a leaf.
   • In this following the analogy of phyton already appropriated for the integer of the axis plus the phyllon or phylla it bears.1868, The American Journal of Science, page 272
2. (historical, uncommon, uncountable) A specific herb which the ancient Greek Theophrastus asserted could influence the sex of a fetus.
   • It were to be wished true, and women would idolize him, could that be made out which he recordeth of phyllon, mercury, and other vegetables, that the juice of the male plant drunk, or the leaves but applied unto the genitals, determines their conceptions unto males.1835, Thomas Browne, Religio medici; pseudodoxia epidemica, books 1-4, page 237