— importable , adj. — importability , n. — importer , n.
v. /im pawrt", -pohrt"/ ; n. /im"pawrt, -pohrt/ , v.t.
1. to bring in (merchandise, commodities, workers, etc.) from a foreign country for use, sale, processing, reexport, or services.
2. to bring or introduce from one use, connection, or relation into another: foreign bodies imported into the blood; foodstuffs imported from the farm.
3. to convey as meaning or implication; signify: Her words imported a change of attitude.
4. to involve as a necessary circumstance; imply: Religion imports belief.
5. Computers. to bring (documents, data, etc.) into one application program from another.
6. Archaic. to be of consequence or importance to; concern.
v.i.
7. to be of consequence or importance; matter.
n.
8. something that is imported from abroad; an imported commodity or article.
9. the act of importing or bringing in; importation, as of goods from abroad: the import of foreign cars.
10. consequence or importance: matters of great import.
11. meaning; implication; purport: He felt the import of her words.
[ 1400-50; late ME importen importare. See IM- 1 , PORT 5 ]
Syn. 10. significance, sense.