/jen"euh rayt'/ , v. , generated, generating .
v.t.
1. to bring into existence; cause to be; produce.
2. to create by a vital or natural process.
3. to create and distribute vitally and profusely: He generates ideas that we all should consider. A good diplomat generates good will.
4. to reproduce; procreate.
5. to produce by a chemical process.
6. Math.
a. to trace (a figure) by the motion of a point, straight line, or curve.
b. to act as base for all the elements of a given set: The number 2 generates the set 2, 4, 8, 16.
7. Ling. to produce or specify (a grammatical sentence or other construction or set of constructions) by the application of a rule or set of rules in a generative grammar.
v.i.
8. to reproduce; propagate.
[ 1350-1400; ME generatus produced, ptp. of generare to beget; see GENUS ]
Syn. 1. create, evolve, originate, engender, institute.