ˈkʌltʃə n. & v. --n. 1 a
the arts
and other manifestations of
human intellectual achievement regarded collectively (a
city lacking in culture). b a
refined understanding of
this; intellectual
development (a
person of culture). 2 the customs,
civilization, and achievements of a
particular time or
people (studied
Chinese culture). 3
improvement by
mental or
physical training. 4 a the cultivation of plants; the rearing of bees, silkworms, etc. b the cultivation of the soil. 5 a
quantity of micro-organisms and the
nutrient material supporting
their growth. --v.tr.
maintain (bacteria etc.) in conditions
suitable for growth. øculture shock the
feeling of disorientation
experienced by a person suddenly subjected to an
unfamiliar culture or
way of
life. culture
vulture colloq. a person
eager to
acquire culture. the
two cultures the arts and
science. [ME f. F culture or L cultura (as CULT): (v.) f. obs. F culturer or med.L culturare]