Graft: meaning, definitions and examples

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graft

 

[ ɡraft ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

A graft is a piece of healthy skin or bone that is removed from one part of a person's body and attached to another part of their body, often to replace damaged or missing tissue.

Synonyms

implant, transplant.

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Word Description / Examples
graft

It also has a negative connotation in political and business settings, referring to corruption and bribery.

  • The mayor was accused of graft, accepting bribes for city contracts.
transplant

This is primarily used in medical contexts. It refers to moving an organ, tissue, or a group of cells from one part of the body or one person to another.

  • The patient is awaiting a heart transplant.
  • Kidney transplants have become more common with better technology.
implant

This term is mainly used in medical and cosmetic procedures. It describes the process of inserting an artificial object into the body.

  • Dental implants are popular for replacing lost teeth.
  • She decided to get breast implants after the surgery.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon performed a skin graft to cover the burn wounds.
  • She needed a bone graft to repair the damage from the accident.
Context #2 | Verb

corruption

To graft means to obtain money or benefits through dishonest or illegal means, especially in relation to public officials or organizations.

Synonyms

bribery, corruption.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
graft

Graft is often used to describe a specific type of corruption, especially involving the misuse of public office for personal gain. It's commonly used in legal and political contexts.

  • The mayor was arrested for graft after it was discovered he had been diverting city funds into his own accounts.
  • Allegations of graft within the department have led to a major investigation.
corruption

Corruption is a broader term that encompasses various forms of unethical behavior, including bribery, embezzlement, and fraud. It is used to describe systemic issues within organizations, governments, or nations.

  • The corruption within the government has led to widespread distrust among citizens.
  • They are working on reforms to combat corruption in the banking sector.
bribery

Bribery refers to the act of giving or receiving something of value, typically money, to influence the actions of someone in a position of power. It is often used in business, legal, and political settings.

  • The company was fined for engaging in bribery to secure government contracts.
  • He was caught in a bribery scandal after offering money to the police officer to avoid a ticket.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was accused of grafting funds from the government project.
  • The company was found guilty of grafting contracts through bribery.

Translations

Translations of the word "graft" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enxerto

🇮🇳 कलम

🇩🇪 Transplantat

🇮🇩 cangkok

🇺🇦 щеплення

🇵🇱 przeszczep

🇯🇵 移植

🇫🇷 greffe

🇪🇸 injerto

🇹🇷 aşı

🇰🇷 이식

🇸🇦 ترقيع

🇨🇿 štěp

🇸🇰 štepenie

🇨🇳 嫁接

🇸🇮 cepitev

🇮🇸 græðlingur

🇰🇿 көшет

🇬🇪 ნამყენი

🇦🇿 aşılama

🇲🇽 injerto

Etymology

The word 'graft' has a complex history, with its origins in Old English and Old Norse. In the medical context, the term 'graft' dates back to the early 19th century, referring to the surgical procedure of transplanting tissue. The negative connotation of 'graft' as corruption or bribery emerged in the late 19th century, associated with political scandals and dishonest practices. Over the years, 'graft' has evolved to encompass both the medical and unethical meanings.

See also: graftage, grafting.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,956 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.