v. & n.
v.tr. 1 bring in (esp. foreign goods or services) to a country. 2 (often foll. by that + clause) a imply, indicate, signify. b express, make known.
n. 1 the process of importing. 2 a an imported article or service. b (in pl.) an amount imported (imports exceeded $50m.). 3 what is implied; meaning. 4 importance. importable adj. importation n. importer n. (all in sense 1 of v.).
[ ME f. L importare bring in, in med.L = imply, be of consequence (as IN-(2), portare carry) ]