bud

bud · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    To form buds.

  2. 2.

    A compact growth on a plant that develops into a leaf, flower, or shoot.

  3. 3.

    A partially opened flower.

  4. 4.

    To graft a bud onto another plant.

  5. 5.

    A small protuberance on an organism that develops into a new individual.

  6. 6.

    A friend (informal, especially American).

  7. 7.

    Short for "taste bud."

Forms

plural: buds

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nip in the bud — to stop something at an early stage
  • •
    taste buds — sensory organs on the tongue
  • •
    budding — beginning to develop (as in "budding artist")

Related words

See also: bloom, buddy, flower, sprout
Synonyms: friend, pal, shoot, sprout

Etymology

From Middle English "budde," of unknown origin, possibly related to Dutch "bot" (bud).