̈ɪplɑ:nt n. & v. --n. 1 a
any living organism of
the kingdom Plantae, usu. containing
chlorophyll enabling it to live
wholly on
inorganic substances
and lacking specialized
sense organs and the
power of
voluntary movement. b a
small organism of
this kind, as
distinguished from a shrub or
tree. 2 a
machinery, fixtures,
etc., used in
industrial processes. b a
factory. 3 colloq.
something,
esp. incriminating or compromising, positioned or concealed so as to be discovered later. --v.tr. 1
place (a
seed,
bulb, or growing thing) in the ground so
that it
may take root and
flourish. 2 (often foll. by
in,
on, etc.) put or
fix in
position. 3
deposit (young fish,
spawn, oysters, etc.) in a
river or lake. 4
station (a
person etc.), esp. as a
spy or
source of
information. 5 refl. take up a position (planted
myself by the door). 6
cause (an
idea etc.) to be established esp. in
another person's
mind. 7
deliver (a blow,
kiss, etc.)
with a
deliberate aim. 8 sl. position or
conceal (something incriminating or compromising)
for later
discovery. 9 a settle or
people (a
colony etc.). b found or
establish (a
city,
community, etc.). 10
bury. øplant-louse a small
insect that infests plants, esp. an
aphis. plant
out transfer (a plant) from a pot or
frame to the
open ground; set out (seedlings) at intervals. øøplantable adj. plantlet n. plantlike adj. [OE plante & F plante f. L planta
sprout, slip, cutting]
