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Sprout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sprout

[spraสŠt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

plant growth

A sprout is a young shoot of a plant, especially one grown for food such as a bean sprout or Brussels sprout. Sprouts are typically consumed raw or lightly cooked and are known for their high nutritional value.

Synonyms

germ, seedling, shoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sprout

Appropriate for describing the initial stage of growth in plants when new leaves or buds start to appear. It's often used in everyday language to describe the early signs of growth.

  • Look, the beans are starting to sprout!; After two weeks, tiny sprouts began to emerge from the soil
shoot

Typically describes new growth from a plant's stem or root, especially in trees and shrubs. Used in both botanical and everyday language to talk about new plant growth.

  • New shoots are appearing from the base of the tree; She was excited to see the first shoots of her garden plants
seedling

Best used to describe a young plant that has developed from a seed and has its first set of true leaves. Commonly used in gardening and agricultural contexts when discussing plant cultivation.

  • The gardener transplanted the seedlings into larger pots; Seedlings need adequate light and water to thrive
germ

Can refer to the early developmental stage of a seed, but more commonly associated with microorganisms, especially in a medical or biological context. It often has a negative connotation due to its association with bacteria and disease.

  • Scientists studied the germ of the seed to understand its growth; It's important to wash your hands to avoid spreading germs

Examples of usage

  • The chef added some fresh alfalfa sprouts to the salad.
  • She planted some broccoli sprouts in her garden.
  • We enjoy eating mung bean sprouts in stir-fry dishes.
Context #2 | Verb

growth

To sprout means to begin to grow or develop. It often refers to the initial stage of a plant's growth from a seed. Sprouting can also be used metaphorically to describe the emergence or development of something new.

Synonyms

blossom, develop, germinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sprout

Typically used for the initial stage of growth, especially when something new begins to appear or grow from a small form.

  • The seeds sprouted after being planted for a few days
  • New ideas sprout in his mind every day
germinate

Specifically refers to the process of a seed beginning to grow and develop. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the early stages of an idea or project.

  • The seeds need wet, warm soil to germinate
  • His interest in painting germinated during his teenage years
blossom

Often used to describe flowering plants or when something matures beautifully over time. It also can mean to develop in a positive and flourishing way.

  • The cherry trees blossom every spring
  • Over time, their friendship blossomed into love
develop

Used in a broad range of contexts to indicate growth, elaboration, or progression from one stage to another. Suitable for both tangible and intangible subjects.

  • The scientist continues to develop the new vaccine
  • She developed her skills in cooking over the years

Examples of usage

  • The seeds sprouted after a few days of being planted.
  • Her business idea began to sprout and eventually turned into a successful company.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Botany

  • Sprouting is the first stage of a plant's growth, where seeds begin to grow roots and leaves.
  • Different seeds sprout at different times, depending on the plant species and environmental conditions.
  • In addition to soil, seeds need water, warmth, and sometimes light to sprout successfully.

Culinary

  • In cooking, 'sprouts' refer to young shoots of various vegetables like alfalfa or bean sprouts, often used in salads.
  • Sprouted grains and beans are considered healthier as they increase nutritional value and digestibility.
  • Many cultures celebrate sprouting as it symbolizes new life, freshness, and rejuvenation in food.

Cultural Significance

  • In many traditions, sprouting is seen as a symbol of hope and renewal, particularly in spring festivals.
  • The concept of 'sprouting potential' is often used metaphorically to describe personal growth and new beginnings.
  • Various art forms depict the growth process, highlighting the beauty of transformation from seeds to plants.

Education

  • Sprouting is a common educational activity in schools, teaching children about plant biology and life cycles.
  • Growing plants from seeds helps students learn responsibility and the importance of caring for living things.
  • Science experiments often use sprouting to demonstrate concepts like photosynthesis and growth conditions.

Environmental Science

  • Sprouting plays a critical role in ecosystems, as young plants help prevent soil erosion and provide food for animals.
  • The process of sprouting can indicate soil health and is important for farmers to understand for successful crops.
  • With climate change, understanding how plants sprout can help scientists develop better crops that thrive under stress.

Origin of 'sprout'

The word 'sprout' originated from Middle English 'spruten', which came from Old English 'sprotan', meaning 'to sprout, germinate'. The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to the young shoots of plants. Sprouts have been valued for their freshness and nutritional content throughout history, and they continue to be popular in modern cuisine and gardening practices.

See also: sprouting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,824, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.