Plants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plants

[plรฆnts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

Plants are living organisms that typically grow in the ground and have roots, stems, and leaves. They use sunlight to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis.

Synonyms

flora, greenery, vegetation.

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Word Description / Examples
plants

Refers to individual living organisms, typically grown in gardens, homes, and for agricultural purposes.

  • I have a variety of plants in my garden
  • House plants can improve indoor air quality
  • Farmers rely on plants for crops
flora

Usually used in a scientific or formal context to describe the collective plants of a specific region, period, or environment.

  • The flora of the Amazon rainforest is incredibly diverse
  • Researchers studied the local flora to understand the ecosystem
  • The island's flora was affected by environmental changes
vegetation

A more general term used to describe plants, often in terms of their growth pattern, density, or ecological significance.

  • The region's dense vegetation makes it hard to navigate
  • Vegetation has started to reclaim the abandoned buildings
  • The researcher noted the changes in vegetation over the past decade
greenery

Commonly used in everyday language to describe lush, green plant life, often emphasizing aesthetics or decoration.

  • The park is filled with beautiful greenery
  • She added some greenery to her living room for a fresh look
  • We enjoyed the lush greenery during our hike

Examples of usage

  • Plants provide oxygen for us to breathe.
  • I love the smell of fresh plants in the garden.
Context #2 | Noun

in gardening

In gardening, plants refer to a wide variety of living organisms, including flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables, that are cultivated for their beauty or usefulness.

Synonyms

flora, greenery, vegetation.

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Word Description / Examples
plants

Refers to individual living organisms such as trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass. Commonly used in everyday talk, gardening, and plant care contexts.

  • I need to water the plants in my garden
  • They bought some tropical plants for their living room
flora

Used often in scientific or formal contexts to describe the plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

  • The flora of the Amazon rainforest is incredibly diverse
  • Researchers are studying the native flora of the island
vegetation

Commonly refers to plants in general, particularly in ecological and environmental contexts. Can have a slightly technical or formal tone.

  • The area is known for its dense vegetation
  • Climate change is affecting the local vegetation patterns
greenery

Used to describe areas covered in plants or vegetation, often in the context of aesthetic appeal and natural beauty.

  • The park is full of lush greenery
  • They added some greenery to their balcony to make it more inviting

Examples of usage

  • I planted some new plants in my backyard.
  • These plants need regular watering to thrive.
Context #3 | Verb

to place in soil

To plant means to place a seed, bulb, or plant in the soil to grow. It is an essential step in gardening and agriculture.

Synonyms

replant, seed, sow.

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Word Description / Examples
plants

General term used to describe living organisms that can perform photosynthesis. This term is often used when discussing gardening, botany, or general environmental topics.

  • I love decorating my home with many different plants.
  • The botanic garden has an extensive collection of rare plants.

Examples of usage

  • I will plant some tomatoes in my garden.
  • She planted a beautiful rose bush in her yard.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Plants are crucial for life on Earth because they produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
  • There are more than 390,000 known plant species, showcasing immense diversity in size, shape, and habitat.
  • Some plants can survive in extreme conditions, like cacti in deserts or orchids in rainforests.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, plants such as bamboo symbolize strength and resilience.
  • Lotus flowers are significant in various religions, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
  • Herbs like basil and rosemary are vital in many cuisines and are also used for medicinal purposes.

Environment

  • Plants play a key role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • They provide habitats and food for countless animal species and are essential for maintaining ecosystems.
  • Urban greening initiatives often involve planting trees and shrubs to improve air quality and reduce heat.

Art and Literature

  • Plants have inspired countless artists and poets, symbolizing growth, beauty, and decay.
  • Famous works like Monet's gardens or the vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age reflect the transient beauty of plant life.
  • In literature, plants often symbolize themes like growth, life cycles, and the passage of time, as seen in many classic poems.

Origin of 'plants'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plant' comes from the Latin 'planta', meaning 'a sprout' or 'to fix to the ground'.
  • In Middle English, 'plant' referred to a young tree or seedling, evolving to its modern broad meaning.

The word 'plants' originated from the Latin word 'plantare', which means 'to plant'. It has been used to refer to living organisms that grow in the ground for centuries. Plants play a crucial role in ecosystems, providing oxygen, food, and habitats for various animals. Throughout history, humans have cultivated plants for food, medicine, and aesthetic purposes.


See also: implant, plant, plantain, plantation, planted, planting, replant, replanting, transplant, unplanted.

Word Frequency Rank

At #735 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.