Vegetative: meaning, definitions and examples

🌱
Add to dictionary

vegetative

 

[ ˈvɛdʒɪˌteɪtɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

biological processes

The term 'vegetative' generally refers to the phase of growth in plants that is characterized by the development of leaves, stems, and roots, but not flowers or seeds. In a broader biological context, it can also describe processes that are related to life-sustaining functions, such as respiration or circulation. In the medical field, 'vegetative' may pertain to a state of unresponsiveness in a patient while still retaining some autonomic functions.

Synonyms

growth-related, non-flowering, plant-like

Examples of usage

  • The vegetative stage of the plant is crucial for its growth.
  • Patients in a vegetative state may exhibit reflexive responses.
  • Vegetative reproduction allows plants to create clones.
  • The garden is lush with vegetative growth this spring.

Translations

Translations of the word "vegetative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vegetativo

🇮🇳 पौधों से संबंधित

🇩🇪 vegetativ

🇮🇩 vegetatif

🇺🇦 вегетативний

🇵🇱 wegetatywny

🇯🇵 植物の

🇫🇷 végétatif

🇪🇸 vegetativo

🇹🇷 vejetatif

🇰🇷 식물의

🇸🇦 نباتي

🇨🇿 vegetativní

🇸🇰 vegetatívny

🇨🇳 植物的

🇸🇮 vegetativni

🇮🇸 plöntu-

🇰🇿 өсімдік

🇬🇪 ვეგეტატიური

🇦🇿 vejetativ

🇲🇽 vegetativo

Etymology

The word 'vegetative' originates from the Latin root 'vegetare', which means 'to enliven' or 'to strengthen'. This root evolved in various languages, reflecting the connection between growth and vitality in living organisms. The prefix 'veget-' in Latin is linked to 'vegetabilis', meaning 'able to grow', which relates directly to the life processes of plants. In the 17th century, the term began to be used in botanical contexts, and by the 19th century, it expanded into the medical realm, describing a state of minimal consciousness in patients. The dual use of the term reflects its significance in both plant biology and human health, demonstrating how language evolves from specific scientific concepts to broader applications.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,230, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.