plant

Definitions

1. noun

   A living thing that grows in the ground and is not an animal.

   Examples

   • The greenhouse was full of exotic plants.
   • She watered every plant in the garden.
2. noun

   A living thing in the plant group, such as a flower, grass or fern.

   Examples

   • Scientists count seaweed as a plant.
   • The book lists ferns among the oldest land plants.
3. noun

   A living thing that makes its food from sunlight.

   Examples

   • Chlorophyll gives most plants their green color.
   • The plant turns sunlight into energy.
4. noun

   A young tree or small plant ready to be planted.

   Examples

   • She set the young plant into the freshly dug hole.
   • The nursery sold small plants ready for the garden.
5. noun

   In old use, any living thing that grows on the ground, including fungi.

   Examples

   • Mushrooms grow well in the damp forest.
   • Lichens grow on old stone walls.
6. noun

   A factory or large building where things are made.

   Examples

   • The company has production plants in three countries.
   • My dad worked at the plant for 27 years.
7. noun

   Heavy machines and equipment used in industry or building.

   Examples

   • The company hired plant for the road work.
   • The site was full of heavy plant.
   ≈capital equipment
8. noun

   In Australia, the horses and gear carried by a rural worker.

   Examples

   • The drover's plant included several strong horses and gear.
   • He sold his plant when he retired.
9. noun

   Something placed secretly to blame someone.

   Examples

   • The detective saw that the drugs were a plant.
   • He claimed the weapon was a plant and not his own.
10. noun

    A hidden store of goods.

    Examples

    • Police found the smuggler's plant behind the wall.
    • The thief kept a plant of stolen jewelry buried in the yard.