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bud (1)

bud [ bud ]


noun  (plural buds)
Definition:
 
1. outgrowth on plant stem: an outgrowth on a stem or branch consisting of a shortened stem and immature leaves or flowers, often enclosed by protective scales

2. unopened flower: a flower that has not yet opened

3. zoology reproductive outgrowth of simple organism: an asexually produced outgrowth of a simple organism such as an invertebrate or a yeast that breaks away from the parent and develops into a new individual

4. something like plant bud: something shaped like a plant bud

5. somebody or something immature: somebody or something that is small, immature, or not yet fully developed



verb  (past and past participle bud·ded, present participle bud·ding, 3rd person present singular buds)
Definition:
 
1. intransitive verb produce plant buds: to produce outgrowths that develop into flowers or leaves

2. intransitive verb start to grow: to start to develop or grow from a plant bud

3. intransitive verb begin to develop: to begin to develop or grow from something small into another, usually larger thing
Seeds of dissent are budding among the new recruits.

4. intransitive verb zoology reproduce asexually: to reproduce asexually by producing an outgrowth that eventually separates to form a new individual

5. transitive verb gardening graft bud into another plant: to insert a bud from one plant into the bark of another, usually one of a different variety, in order to propagate a plant from the bud

[14th century. Origin ?]

bud·der noun
bud·less adjective

in bud having new buds that have not yet opened

nip something in the bud to put an end to something considered undesirable before it can develop (informal)

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