growth 
/ˈgroʊθ/ noun
plural growths /ˈgroʊθ/ noun 1 [noncount] : the process of growing: such as a : natural increase in size
▪ He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old. ▪ She's concerned that the medication might slow/stunt her child's growth. — often + of ▪ the growth of facial hair ▪ the growth of a crystal
b : the process of forming or developing something
▪ He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
c : an increase in the number, amount, or size of something
▪ The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years. ▪ rapid growth ▪ slow/steady growth ▪ the growth of civilization ▪ population/economic growth ▪ Children's books are a growth area [=an area of business that is becoming larger and more successful] in the publishing industry. ▪ Children's publishing is a growth industry. [=a business that is becoming larger and more successful] ▪ The company has limited growth potential. [=the company is not likely to grow much larger]
d : the development of a person's mind, emotions, etc.
▪ He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth. ▪ emotional/intellectual growth 2 : a result or product of growing [noncount] ▪ It's important to prune the bush every year to encourage new growth. ▪ Their profits have averaged five percent growth in the last four years. [singular] ▪ The tree has an average annual growth of almost a foot. ▪ a thick growth of underbrush 3 [count] medical : an abnormal mass of tissue (such as a tumor)
▪ a cancerous growth
▪ He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old. ▪ She's concerned that the medication might slow/stunt her child's growth. — often + of ▪ the growth of facial hair ▪ the growth of a crystal
b : the process of forming or developing something
▪ He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
c : an increase in the number, amount, or size of something
▪ The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years. ▪ rapid growth ▪ slow/steady growth ▪ the growth of civilization ▪ population/economic growth ▪ Children's books are a growth area [=an area of business that is becoming larger and more successful] in the publishing industry. ▪ Children's publishing is a growth industry. [=a business that is becoming larger and more successful] ▪ The company has limited growth potential. [=the company is not likely to grow much larger]
d : the development of a person's mind, emotions, etc.
▪ He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth. ▪ emotional/intellectual growth
▪ a cancerous growth
