Main Entry: veg·e·ta·tive

Pronunciation: \ˈvej-ə-ˌtāt-iv\

Function: adjective

1 a (1) : growing or having the power of growing (2) : of, relating to, or engaged in nutritive and growth functions as contrasted with reproductive functions <a vegetative nucleus> b : of, relating to, or involving propagation by nonsexual processes or methods
2 : of or relating to the division of nature comprising the plant kingdom
3 : affecting, arising from, or relating to involuntary bodily functions
4 : characterized by, resulting from, or being a state in which there is total loss of cognitive functioning typically indicated by a lack of awareness of oneself and one's environment and in which only involuntary bodily functions (as breathing or blinking of the eyes) are sustained <entered a vegetative state following a serious head injury>

—veg·e·ta·tive·ly adverb