~ 1
■ noun
1》 a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk or stem of a living plant, from which it receives sap.
2》 a piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically.
↘an operation in which tissue is transplanted.
■ verb
1》 insert or transplant as a ~.
2》 integrate in or attach to something else, especially inappropriately.
Origin
ME graff , from OFr. grafe , via L. from Gk graphion 'writing implement' (with ref. to the tapered tip of the shoot or twig), from graphein 'write'.
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~ 2 Brit.
informal
■ noun hard work.
■ verb work hard.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
C19: perh. related to the phr. spade's ~ 'the amount of earth that one stroke of a spade will move'.
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~ 3
■ noun informal bribery and other corrupt measures pursued for gain in politics or business.
■ verb make money by corrupt means.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
C19: of unknown origin.