graft

graft [graft, gräft]

n.

[with unhistoric -t, for earlier graff < ME graffe < OFr, a pencil < L graphium < Gr grapheion, stylus (see GRAPHIC): from resemblance of the scion to a pointed pencil]

1.

a) a shoot or bud of one plant or tree inserted or to be inserted into the stem or trunk of another, where it continues to grow, becoming a permanent part; scion

b) the act or process of inserting such a bud or shoot

c) the place on a plant or tree where such a bud or shoot has been inserted

d) a tree or plant with such an insertion

2. a joining of one thing to another as if by grafting

3.

☆ a) the act of taking advantage of one's position, esp. a political position, to gain money, property, etc. dishonestly

b) anything acquired by such illegal methods, as an illicit profit from government business

4. Surgery

a) a piece of skin, bone, or other living tissue transplanted or to be transplanted from one body, or place on a body, to another, where it grows and becomes a permanent part

b) such a transplanting

vt.

1.

a) to insert (a shoot or bud) as a graft

b) to insert a graft of (one plant) in another

c) to produce (a fruit, flower, etc.) by means of a graft

2. to join or make as one

3. Surgery to transplant (a graft)

vi.

1. to be grafted

2. to make a graft on a plant

grafter

n.