/bon suy", -zuy", bohn-, bon"suy, -zuy, bohn"-/ , n. , pl. bonsai .
1. a tree or shrub that has been dwarfed, as by pruning the roots and pinching, and is grown in a pot or other container and trained to produce a desired shape or effect.
2. the art or hobby of developing and growing such a plant or plants.
[ 1945-50; bon-sai tray planting pén tray + zai plant, shoot ]