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

noun

1. a young growth on a plant, as a stem or branch; shoot
2. 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
3. something like or suggestive of a sprout, as an offshoot or young person
4. Brussels sprouts

Etymology: ME sprute < the v.