Meaning & Definition of word "Prune"
Prune
/pruːn/
noun:
- 1. A dried plum.
- Example: I added a few prunes to my breakfast for added fiber.
- 2. An item that is removed, particularly in the context of a decision or selection process.
- Example: After the review, several prunes were made to the original manuscript to enhance clarity.
verb:
- 1. To trim a tree, shrub, or plant by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, to encourage growth.
- Example: In the spring, we prune the rose bushes to promote a healthier and more abundant bloom.
- 2. To reduce or eliminate something by removing parts, especially to improve effectiveness.
- Example: The manager decided to prune the project to focus on the most critical components.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'pruner', from Latin 'prunare' meaning 'to prune, trim'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
prune back:
To reduce the size or amount of something.
prune the budget:
To cut expenses or reduce financial allocations.
prune the workforce:
To lay off employees or reduce staffing levels.
Related Words
trimming:
The act of cutting off the unnecessary parts.
hedge:
A fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees.
grooming:
The act of cleaning or tidying up, often related to plants or animals.
Slang Meanings of prune
Meaning: To cut back on something unnecessarily excessive.
● Example Sentence: We need to prune our plans to avoid overwhelming ourselves.
Meaning: To get rid of unneeded things or people.
● Example Sentence: She decided to prune her friends list on social media.