seed
Pronunciation: (sēd), [key] — n., pl. v., adj. seeds, seed,
—n. - the fertilized, matured ovule of a flowering plant, containing an embryo or rudimentary plant.
- any propagative part of a plant, including tubers, bulbs, etc., esp. as preserved for growing a new crop.
- such parts collectively.
- any similar small part or fruit.
- pit.
- the germ or propagative source of anything: the seeds of discord.
- offspring; progeny.
- birth: not of mortal seed.
- sperm; semen.
- the ovum or ova of certain animals, as the lobster and the silkworm moth.
- See
- a small air bubble in a glass piece, caused by defective firing.
- a small crystal added to a solution to promote crystallization.
- a player who has been seeded in a tournament.
- He has gone to seed in the last few years.
- (of the flower of a plant) to pass to the stage of yielding seed.
- to lose vigor, power, or prosperity; deteriorate:He has gone to seed in the last few years.
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- (of certain plants) in the state of bearing ripened seeds.
- (of a field, a lawn, etc.) sown with seed.
—v.t. - to sow (a field, lawn, etc.) with seed.
- to sow or scatter (seed).
- to sow or scatter (clouds) with crystals or particles of silver iodide, solid carbon dioxide, etc., to induce precipitation.
- to place, introduce, etc., esp. in the hope of increase or profit: to seed a lake with trout.
- to sprinkle on (a surface, substance, etc.) in the manner of seed: to seed an icy bridge with chemicals.
- to remove the seeds from (fruit).
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- to arrange (the drawings for positions in a tournament) so that ranking players or teams will not meet in the early rounds of play.
- to distribute (ranking players or teams) in this manner.
- to develop or stimulate (a business, project, etc.), esp. by providing operating capital.
—v.i. - to sow seed.
- to produce or shed seed.
—adj. - of or producing seed; used for seed: a seed potato.
- being or providing capital for the initial stages of a new business or other enterprise: The research project began with seed donations from the investors.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.