Seed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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seed
[siːd ]
Definitions
in gardening
A flowering plant's unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such plant.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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seed |
Used to refer to the small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant can grow. Common in everyday language and gardening.
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kernel |
Usually refers to the inner part of a seed or nut that is typically edible, or the central or most important part of something.
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pip |
Commonly used in British English to refer to the small seeds inside fruits like apples or oranges.
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spore |
Used in biology and botany to refer to a reproductive cell capable of developing into a new individual without fusion with another cell, often found in fungi, mosses, and ferns.
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ovule |
A more scientific term, often used in botany or biology to refer to the structure in seed plants that develops into a seed after fertilization.
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Examples of usage
- A seed must be planted in order for a plant to grow.
- The seed of a sunflower can be harvested and eaten.
- Seeds are often used to start a garden.
figurative
A beginning or origin of something.
Synonyms
genesis, origin, source, start.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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seed |
Used when referring to the initial stage of growth or development in a biological or metaphorical sense.
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origin |
Used to describe the source or beginning point of something, especially when tracing back historically or scientifically.
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source |
Refers to where something comes from, often used in information gathering, supply chains, or natural phenomena.
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start |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate the beginning of an action, journey, or process.
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genesis |
Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe the beginning or creation of something significant.
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Examples of usage
- The idea for the business was planted as a seed in his mind.
- From small seeds, great things can grow.
- The seed of doubt was planted in her mind.
in sports
To arrange (the drawing of teams or players) so that the strongest do not meet in the early rounds.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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seed |
Repeated entry. |
rank |
Often used to describe someone's standing in a hierarchy, such as in the military or corporate world. It has a formal and sometimes competitive connotation.
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place |
Refers to a location or a spot. It can also mean a role or situation someone is in.
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position |
Typically used to describe someone's rank, status, or job role. It can also refer to the location of an object in a more specific manner.
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Examples of usage
- They seeded the tournament to ensure fair matchups.
- The top-seeded team is expected to win.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Seeds contain the embryo of the plant and stored food, which helps it grow until it can make its own food.
- Some seeds have unique adaptations like wings or burrs that help them disperse through the wind or stick to animals.
Agriculture
- Seeds are essential for farming; they are the starting point of crops that feed the world.
- There are different types of seeds, such as hybrid seeds which mix traits of two plants to create a stronger crop.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, seeds symbolize potential and new beginnings. They are often used in ceremonies for growth and prosperity.
- The saying 'planting a seed' is commonly used to describe starting an idea or project that will take time to grow.
Environmental Importance
- Seeds play a crucial role in ecosystems by supporting the growth of plants that provide oxygen, food, and habitats for other creatures.
- Conservation of seeds, especially rare or endangered plants, is vital for maintaining biodiversity.
Origin of 'seed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'sæd', which meant 'that which is sown'.
- In Latin, the word 'semen' means 'seed' and is related to words for 'to sow' or 'to plant'.
The word 'seed' originated from the Old English 'sæd', meaning 'that which may be sown'. In ancient times, the concept of planting seeds to grow crops was essential for survival. Over the centuries, 'seed' has evolved to represent not only the reproductive unit of plants but also the beginning or origin of something. The verb form of 'seed' in sports reflects the practice of organizing competitions to ensure fair play and competitive matchups.