Pronunciation: [klˈə͡ʊvəlˌiːfs] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the plural form of "cloverleaf" is "cloverleafs", with an -s at the end. This is because "cloverleaf" is a compound noun made up of two separate words, "clover" and "leaf", and the plural form is formed by adding an -s to the end of the noun. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈkləʊvəliːfs/, with stress on the first syllable and pronounced with a long "o" sound in "clover".
Cloverleafs refer to a type of highway interchange designed in the shape of a four-leaf clover or leaf clover. This interchange configuration enables smooth vehicle movement and efficient traffic flow between intersecting roads or highways. Typically, two major highways or freeways intersect at four different points, forming a series of loops and ramps that resemble a cloverleaf pattern when seen from above.
The primary purpose of cloverleafs is to minimize conflict points, streamline traffic movements, and enhance safety at intersections with a high volume of vehicles. Each major road crossing is connected to the other via curved ramps, providing uninterrupted traffic flow without the need for cross traffic or traffic signals. This design allows vehicles to seamlessly change directions, merge, or exit without disrupting the main flow.
Cloverleaf interchanges usually feature four clover-shaped loops, each representing a quadrant of the four-leaf clover. These loops provide access to all possible directions, including right turns, left turns, and merging onto or exiting from the intersecting highway. Typically, entrance and exit ramps are connected to major highways through acceleration and deceleration lanes to ensure smooth transitions between high-speed highways and interchange speeds.
Overall, cloverleafs are a widely-used design for road intersections with heavy traffic demands, aiming to maximize efficiency, minimize traffic congestion, and enhance safety for motorists traveling in multiple directions at highway junctions.
The word "cloverleafs" is derived from the more commonly used term "cloverleaf interchange", which refers to a type of road interchange that resembles the shape of a cloverleaf plant. The interchange design was named as such due to its resemblance to the three-leaf clover plant, with each leaf representing a different direction of travel. This geometric shape became widely recognized as a symbol for this specific type of interchange. The word "cloverleafs" is simply the plural form of "cloverleaf", indicating multiple instances of this interchange design.
