n. & v.
--n.
1. a any living organism of the kingdom Plantae, usu. containing chlorophyll enabling it to live wholly on inorganic substances and lacking specialized sense organs and the power of voluntary movement. b a small organism of this kind, as distinguished from a shrub or tree.
2 a machinery, fixtures, etc., used in industrial processes. b a factory.
3 colloq. something, esp. incriminating or compromising, positioned or concealed so as to be discovered later.
--v.tr.
1. place (a seed, bulb, or growing thing) in the ground so that it may take root and flourish.
2 (often foll. by in, on, etc.) put or fix in position.
3 deposit (young fish, spawn, oysters, etc.) in a river or lake.
4 station (a person etc.), esp. as a spy or source of information.
5 refl. take up a position (planted myself by the door).
6 cause (an idea etc.) to be established esp. in another person's mind.
7 deliver (a blow, kiss, etc.) with a deliberate aim.
8 sl. position or conceal (something incriminating or compromising) for later discovery.
9 a settle or people (a colony etc.). b found or establish (a city, community, etc.).
10 bury.
Phrases and idioms:
plant-louse a small insect that infests plants, esp. an aphis. plant out transfer (a plant) from a pot or frame to the open ground; set out (seedlings) at intervals.
Derivatives:
plantable adj. plantlet n. plantlike adj.
Etymology: OE plante & F plante f. L planta sprout, slip, cutting