(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
The ~ of something such as an industry, organization, or idea is its development in size, wealth, or importance.
...the ~ of nationalism.
...Japan’s enormous economic ~.
...high ~ rates.
N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n
2.
The ~ in something is the increase in it.
A steady ~ in the popularity of two smaller parties may upset the polls...
The area has seen a rapid population ~...
The market has shown annual ~ of 20 per cent for several years.
N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft supp N, N in n, N of amount
3.
A ~ industry, area, or market is one which is increasing in size or activity. (BUSINESS)
Computers and electronics are ~ industries and need skilled technicians...
Real estate lending has become the biggest ~ area for American banks.
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
Someone’s ~ is the development and progress of their character.
...the child’s emotional and intellectual ~...
N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N
5.
Growth in a person, animal, or plant is the process of increasing in physical size and development.
...hormones which control fertility and body ~...
Cells divide and renew as part of the human ~ process.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
6.
You can use ~ to refer to plants which have recently developed or which developed at the same time.
This helps to ripen new ~ and makes it flower profusely...
N-VAR
7.
A ~ is a lump that grows inside or on a person, animal, or plant, and that is caused by a disease.
This type of surgery could even be used to extract cancerous ~s.
N-COUNT