ɡrəu v. (past
grew;
past part. grown) 1 intr.
increase in size,
height,
quantity,
degree, or in
any way regarded as
measurable (e.g.
authority or reputation) (often foll. by
in: grew in stature). 2 intr. a
develop or
exist as a
living plant or
natural product. b develop in a
specific way or
direction (began to grow sideways). c
germinate,
sprout;
spring up. 3 intr. be produced;
come naturally into existence;
arise. 4 intr. (as
grown adj.)
fully matured;
adult. 5 intr. a
become gradually (grow
rich; grow less). b (foll. by to + infin.) come by degrees (grew to like it). 6 intr. (foll. by into) a become, having grown or developed (the
acorn has grown into a
tall oak; will grow into a fine athlete). b become
large enough for or suited to (will grow into
the coat; grew into
her new job). 7 intr. (foll. by on) become gradually
more favoured
by. 8 tr. a
produce (plants,
fruit,
wood, etc.) by cultivation. b
bring forth. c
cause (a
beard etc.) to develop. 9 tr. (in
passive; foll. by
over, up) be covered
with a
growth. øgrowing
bag a bag containing peat-based potting
compost in
which plants
may be grown. growing pains 1
early difficulties in the
development of an
enterprise etc. 2 neuralgic
pain in children's legs
due to
fatigue etc. grown-up adj. adult. --n. an adult
person. grow
out of 1 become
too large to wear (a garment). 2 become too
mature to
retain (a
childish habit etc.). 3 be the
result or development
of. grow
together coalesce. grow up 1 a
advance to maturity. b (esp. in imper.)
begin to
behave sensibly. 2 (of a custom) arise, become
common. øøgrowable adj. [OE growan f. Gmc, rel. to
GRASS, GREEN]