n.
Pronunciation: im- ' plant
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 a : to fix or set securely or deeply <a ruby implant ed in the idol's forehead> b : to set permanently in the consciousness or habit patterns : INCULCATE
2 : to insert in living tissue (as for growth, slow release, or formation of an organic union) <subcutaneously implant ed hormone pellets>
intransitive verb : to undergo implantation <the failure of embryos to implant >
– im · plant · able \ - ' plan-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– im · plant · er \ im- ' plan-t ə r \ noun
synonyms IMPLANT , INCULCATE , INSTILL , INSEMINATE , INFIX mean to introduce into the mind. IMPLANT implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught < implanted a love of reading in her students>. INCULCATE implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind <tried to inculcate in him high moral standards>. INSTILL stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time < instill traditional values in your children>. INSEMINATE applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation < inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology>. INFIX stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought < infixed a chronic cynicism>.