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sprout Definition

sprout (spro̵ut)

intransitive verb

  1. to begin to grow or germinate; give off shoots or buds
  2. to grow or develop rapidly

Etymology: ME sprouten < OE sprutan, akin to Ger spriessen < IE *spreud- < base *(s)p(h)er-: see spread

transitive verb

to cause to sprout or grow

noun

  1. a young growth on a plant, as a stem or branch; shoot
    1. a new growth from a bud, rootstock, germinating seed, etc.
    2. such a growth from the germinating seed of any of various plants, as alfalfa or mung beans, eaten as a vegetable, as in salads or Asian dishes
  2. something like or suggestive of a sprout, as an offshoot or young person
  3. Brussels sprouts

Etymology: ME sprute < the v.

sprout Synonyms

sprout

v.

germinate, take root, shoot up, bud, burgeon; see also grow 1.

sprout Usage Examples

Object

  • broccoli: Purple sprouting broccoli is in season in March too.
  • seed: Sprouted seeds are also an excellent way to add variety to your bird's diet.
  • barley: The sprouting barley is turned by a machine resembling a lawn-mower.
  • bud: The granules were of course the sprouting endothelial buds: hence the association with a favorable outcome.
  • wing: READ IT The scroll reads " bozbar spell: cause an animal to sprout wings.
  • bean: Add sprouting beans and red onion and season with freshly ground pepper.

Converse of object

  • eat: Do not eat bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts raw.
  • add: Add the sprouts once the water has begun to bubble.
  • grow: We were the only people growing bean sprouts in Britain at the time.

Adjective modifier

  • axonal: Clearly, agents that support the integrity or function of motor axonal sprouts may improve or delay patient symptoms in PPS.
  • fresh: Fresh sprouts have no odor or a delicate smell.

Modifying Another Word

  • everywhere: The map's major junctions are nowhere to be found on the ground while unmarked junctions sprout everywhere.
  • suddenly: A third arm had suddenly sprouted from the center of Tenaka's chest, sticking out at an impossible angle.
  • forth: Sea Thrift produced the usual attractive sweeps over the gravel, but none of this had actually sprouted forth from the disturbed ground.

Noun used with modifier

  • brussel: Many of us have already started by sowing annuals, chili peppers, brussel sprouts etc indoors.
  • Brussel: Or cook up some bubble and squeak with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
  • alfalfa: Do not eat bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts raw.
  • bean: We were the only people growing bean sprouts in Britain at the time.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • up: Newer hotels are sprouting up farther from the center.

Preposition: like

  • mushroom: I tell you, they're sprouting like mushrooms.

Browse dictionary entries near sprout

  1. sprocket
  2. spritzer
  3. spritz
  4. spritsail
  5. sprite
  6. sprit
  7. sprinter
  8. sprint
  9. sprinkling
  10. sprinkler system
  1. spruce
  2. spruce beer
  3. spruce grouse
  4. spruce pine
  5. sprue
  6. sprung
  7. sprung rhythm
  8. spry
  9. spud
  10. spue