n. & v.
n. 1 a the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively (a city lacking in culture). b a refined understanding of this; intellectual development (a person of culture). 2 the customs, civilization, and achievements of a particular time or people (studied Chinese culture). 3 improvement by mental or physical training. 4 a the cultivation of plants; the rearing of bees, silkworms, etc. b the cultivation of the soil. 5 a quantity of micro-organisms and the nutrient material supporting their growth.
v.tr. maintain (bacteria etc.) in conditions suitable for growth. culture shock the feeling of disorientation experienced by a person suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life. culture vulture colloq. a person eager to acquire culture. the two cultures the arts and science.
[ ME f. F culture or L cultura (as CULT): (v.) f. obs. F culturer or med.L culturare ]