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adj

vegetative

VEHD-zhuh-tay-tihv

Vegetative (adj) means relating to plants, especially their growth. Example: “The plants entered a vegetative stage before flowering began.”

adj
1
Relating to plants, especially their growth.
"The plants entered a vegetative stage before flowering began."
2
Describing a state in which a person has minimal brain function and cannot act voluntarily, though they may respond to some stimuli.
"After the accident, doctors said he was in a vegetative state."

How to use vegetative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to plant growth, or (medically) a severely unresponsive state.

Common pairings
vegetative state vegetative growth persistent vegetative state

Word forms

more vegetative comparative, most vegetative superlative

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The plants entered a _____ stage before flowering began.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin vegetativus, related to vegetare ("to enliven"), same root family as "vegetable" and "vegetation."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for vegetative

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Frequently asked questions

What does “vegetative” mean?

The word “vegetative” means relating to plants, especially their growth. In plain terms, relating to plant growth, or (medically) a severely unresponsive state.

How do you pronounce “vegetative”?

“Vegetative” is pronounced VEHD-zhuh-tay-tihv (/ˈvɛd͡ʒəteɪtɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “vegetative” in a sentence?

Here is “vegetative” used in a sentence: “The plants entered a vegetative stage before flowering began.”

What part of speech is “vegetative”?

“Vegetative” is an adjective.

Where does the word “vegetative” come from?

The word “vegetative” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin vegetativus, related to vegetare ("to enliven"), same root family as "vegetable" and "vegetation.".

How many meanings does “vegetative” have?

“Vegetative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to plants, especially their growth.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial