释义 |
veg·e·ta·tive \ˈvejəˌtād.]iv, -āt], ]ēv also ]əv, chiefly Brit -jətətiv\ adjective Etymology: Middle English vegetatif, from Medieval Latin vegetativus, from vegetatus (past participle of vegetare) + Latin -ivus -ive 1. a. : growing or having the power of growing : of, relating to, or engaged in nutritive and growth functions (as of a plant) as contrasted with reproductive functions < a vegetative stage in the life history of a plant > < a vegetative nucleus > < roots, stems, and leaves are termed the vegetative organs of a seed plant's body — H.J.Fuller & Oswald Tippo > < concerned with the vegetative activities of the plant — E.W.Sinnott > b. : having the power to induce growth in plants : productive < the vegetative properties of soil > c. : of or relating to the propagation especially of plants by nonsexual processes (as gemmation or the formation of runners or tubers) or methods (as division, cuttings, or grafting) 2. : vegetational < vegetative cover > < the vegetative layer of forest duff — Russell Lord > 3. : of or relating to the division of nature comprising the vegetable kingdom < the vegetative as contrasted with the animal world > 4. : affecting, arising from, or relating to involuntary bodily functions or especially the parasympathetic nervous system : autonomic < a vegetative neurosis > < vegetative symptoms > < circulation, respiration, digestion, excretion, and related vegetative functions — F.A.Geldard > 5. : leading a secluded or passive existence without social or intellectual activity : vegetable 4 • veg·e·ta·tive·ly adverb • veg·e·ta·tive·ness noun -es |