Meaning & Definition of word "Pruning"

Pruning

/ˈpruːnɪŋ/

1. The act of trimming or cutting back a plant to promote healthy growth.
- Example: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of the garden.
2. The process of reducing or cutting down on resources or elements; elimination.
- Example: The company's pruning of its workforce resulted in more streamlined operations.

1. To trim (a tree, shrub, or other plant) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to encourage growth.
- Example: Pruning the rose bushes in early spring promotes healthier blooms later in the season.
2. To reduce or eliminate unnecessary parts of something, such as a program, project, or body of work.
- Example: The editor suggested pruning the manuscript to improve its clarity and focus.
3. To remove or discard something unneeded or unwanted.
- Example: The software allows the user to prune the data set by eliminating irrelevant information.

From Middle English 'prunen', from Old French 'prognier', which means to remove or trim.

pruning the tree:

Cutting branches from a tree to control its shape or growth.

pruning shears:

A type of scissors specifically designed for cutting branches.

pruning back:

Reducing the size of a plant by cutting away certain parts.

gardening:

The practice of cultivating and processing plants.

horticulture:

The art or practice of garden cultivation and management.

arboriculture:

The cultivation of trees and shrubs.

Meaning: To cut unnecessary things from one's life.

Example Sentence: I need to start pruning my online friends list.

Meaning: To simplify or reduce excess.

Example Sentence: He decided to prune his schedule for more free time.