seeds
English meaning: Seeds
Definition
A fertilized and ripened ovule, containing an embryonic plant.
Example
“In spring she sows seeds in trays on the windowsill.”
Another example: “His harsh words planted the seeds of doubt in her mind.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and everyday; fertilised plant ovules used for growing ('sow the seeds', 'sunflower seeds'), and figuratively the beginnings of something ('the seeds of doubt'). In sport, a 'seed' is a ranked competitor in a tournament.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'sed' / 'sæd' (that which is sown), of Germanic origin, related to 'sow'.
Synonyms
- pips
- kernels
- grains
Related Words
Common Collocations
- sow the seeds
- plant seeds
- sunflower seeds
- seeds of doubt
- top seed
Word Forms
seed (n); seeds (pl); seed (v); seeded; seeding
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
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B