[cul.ti.vate] vt -vat.ed ; -vat.ing [ML cultivatus, pp. of cultivare, fr. cultivus cultivable, fr. L cultus, pp. of colere] (ca. 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 "~ vegetables" b: culture 2a c: to improve by labor, care, or study: refine "~ the mind"
3: further, encourage "~ the arts"
4: to seek the society of: make friends with -- cul.ti.vat.able adj