An Encylopedia Britannica Company

March 26, 2018 Word of the Day

growth /ˈgroʊθ/ noun
growth
/ˈgroʊθ/
noun

plural growths

The woman is measuring the boy's growth.
The woman is measuring the boy's growth.
Definition of GROWTH

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

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

More Words of the Day