v.
Pronunciation: ' k ə l-t ə - ˌ v ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -vat · ed ; -vat · ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin cultivatus, past participle of cultivare, from cultivus cultivable, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere
Date: circa 1655
1 : to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2 a : to foster the growth of < cultivate vegetables> b : CULTURE 2A c : to improve by labor, care, or study : REFINE < cultivate the mind>
3 : FURTHER , ENCOURAGE < cultivate the arts>
4 : to seek the society of : make friends with
– cul · ti · vat · able \ - ˌ v ā -t ə -b ə l \ adjective