plant

plant [plant, plänt]

n.

[ME plante < OE < L planta, sprout, twig, prob. back-form. < plantare, to smooth the soil for planting < planta, sole of the foot < IE * plat-, var. of base * pla-, broad, flat > PLAIN¹]

1. any of a kingdom (Plantae) of eukaryotes generally characterized by the ability to carry on photosynthesis in its cells which contain chloroplasts and have cellulose in the cell wall, including all thallophytes and embryophytes

2. a young tree, shrub, or herb, ready to put into other soil for growth to maturity; a slip, cutting, or set

3. an herb, as distinguished from a tree or shrub

4. the tools, machinery, buildings, grounds, etc. of a factory or business

5. the equipment, buildings, etc. of any institution, as a hospital, school, etc.

6. the apparatus or equipment for some particular mechanical operation or process [the power plant of a ship]

7. Slang a person placed, or thing planned or used, to trick, mislead, or trap

vt.

[ME planten < OE plantian & OFr planter, both < L plantare < the n.]

1.

a) to put into soil, esp. into the ground, to grow

b) to set plants in (a piece of ground)

2. to set firmly as into the ground; fix in position

3. to fix in the mind; implant (an idea, etc.)

4. to settle (a colony, colonists, etc.); found; establish

5. to furnish or stock with animals

☆ 6. to put a stock of (oysters, young fish, etc.) in a body of water

7. Slang to deliver (a punch, blow, etc.) with force

8. Slang

a) to place (a person or thing) in such a way as to trick, trap, etc.

b) to place (an ostensible news item) in a newspaper, etc. with some ulterior motive, as in order to mold public opinion

9. Slang

a) to hide or conceal

b) to place (something) surreptitiously where it is certain to be found or discovered

plantlike

adj.