transitive verb cultivated -·vat′ed, cultivating -·vat′·ing

1. to prepare and use (soil or land) for growing crops; till
2. to break up the surface soil around (plants) in order to destroy weeds, prevent crusting, and preserve moisture
3. to grow (plants, crops, fish, etc.) from seeds, bulbs, shoots, etc.
4. to improve or develop (plants) by various horticultural techniques
5. to improve by care, training, or study; refine to cultivate one's mind
6. to promote the development or growth of; acquire and develop to cultivate a taste for music
7. to seek to develop familiarity with; give one's attention to; pursue

Etymology: < ML cultivatus, pp. of cultivare < LL cultivus, tilled < L cultus: see cult