Main Entry: cul·ti·vate

Pronunciation: \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): cul·ti·vat·ed; cul·ti·vat·ing

Etymology: Medieval Latin cultivatus, past participle of cultivare, from cultivus cultivable, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere

Date: circa 1655

1 : to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops; also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2 a : to foster the growth of <cultivate vegetables> b : culture 2a c : to improve by labor, care, or study : refine <cultivate the mind>
3 : further, encourage <cultivate the arts>
4 : to seek the society of : make friends with

— cul·ti·vat·able \-ˌvā-tə-bəl\ adjective