Meaning & Definition of word "Pruning"
Pruning
/ˈpruːnɪŋ/
noun:
- 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.
verb:
- 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.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'prunen', from Old French 'prognier', which means to remove or trim.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of pruning
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.