Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Henry McMurtrie (1793–1865). From oligo- + -phyllous; compare ancient Greek ὀλιγόϕυλλος, scientific Latin oligophyllus, French †oligophylle.
Definition of oligophyllous in US English:
oligophyllous
adjective
Botany rare
Having few leaves.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Henry McMurtrie (1793–1865). From oligo- + -phyllous; compare ancient Greek ὀλιγόϕυλλος, scientific Latin oligophyllus, French † oligophylle.