— growable , adj.
/groh/ , v. , grew, grown, growing .
v.i.
1. to increase by natural development, as any living organism or part by assimilation of nutriment; increase in size or substance.
2. to form and increase in size by a process of inorganic accretion, as by crystallization.
3. to arise or issue as a natural development from an original happening, circumstance, or source: Our friendship grew from common interests.
4. to increase gradually in size, amount, etc.; become greater or larger; expand: His influence has grown.
5. to become gradually attached or united by or as if by growth: The branches of the trees grew together, forming a natural arch.
6. to come to be by degrees; become: to grow old.
7. Naut. to lie or extend in a certain direction, as an anchor cable.
v.t.
8. to cause to grow: They grow corn.
9. to allow to grow: to grow a beard.
10. to cover with a growth (used in the passive): a field grown with corn.
11. grow into ,
a. to become large enough for: He'll grow into his brother's suits before long.
b. to become mature or experienced enough for: She grew into the job, although she wasn't qualified for it at first.
12. grow on or upon ,
a. to increase in influence or effect: An uneasy feeling grew upon him as he went through the old house.
b. to become gradually more liked or accepted by: a village by the sea that grows on one.
13. grow out of ,
a. to become too large or mature for; outgrow: He has grown out of all his clothes.
b. to originate in; develop from: The plan grew out of a casual conversation.
14. grow up ,
a. to be or become fully grown; attain mental or physical maturity.
b. to come into existence; arise: New cities grew up in the desert.
[ bef. 900; ME growen, OE growan; c. D groeien, OHG grouwan, ON groa ]
Syn. 1. develop, multiply, swell, enlarge, expand, extend. 3. originate. 4. wax. 8. raise, cultivate, produce.
Ant. 1. decrease. 4. wane.