plant
English meaning: Plant
Definition
An organism that is not an animal, especially an organism capable of photosynthesis. Typically a small or herbaceous organism of this kind, rather than a tree.
Example
“The garden had a couple of trees, and a cluster of colourful plants around the border.”
Another example: “The new car factory is the largest manufacturing plant in the region.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A core everyday noun with two main senses: a living organism (botany) and an industrial factory or installation ('power plant', 'manufacturing plant'). Also a verb ('plant a tree') and slang for a hidden item or spy. Context disambiguates.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'planta' (a sprout, shoot); the 'factory' sense developed in the 19th century from the idea of equipment being 'planted' in place.
Synonyms
- constitute
- set
- establish
- institute
- embed
- engraft
- found
- imbed
- implant
- works
Related Words
- asteraceae
- pathogen
- endemic
- shrub
- ecuador
- montane
- perennial
- stems
- subtropical
- flowering
Common Collocations
- power plant
- plant a tree
- manufacturing plant
- potted plant
- plant life
- processing plant
Word Forms
plant (n & v); plants; planted; planting; plantation (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B