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heirloom

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noun heir·loom \ ˈer-ˌlüm \

Definition of heirloom

1 :a piece of property (such as a deed or charter) that descends to the heir as an inseparable part of an inheritance of real property
2 :something of special value handed down from one generation to another
  • The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.
3 :a variety of plant that has originated under cultivation and that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals
  • heirloom tomatoes

See heirloom defined for English-language learners

See heirloom defined for kids

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Recent Examples of heirloom from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of heirloom

Middle English heirlome, from heir + lome implement — more at loom

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

HEIRLOOM Defined for English Language Learners

heirloom

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noun

Definition of heirloom for English Language Learners

  • : a valuable object that is owned by a family for many years and passed from one generation to another

  • : an old type of plant that is still available because individual people have continued to grow it for many years

HEIRLOOM Defined for Kids

heirloom

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noun heir·loom \ ˈer-ˌlüm \

Definition of heirloom for Students

:a piece of personal property handed down in a family from one generation to another

Learn More about heirloom

  1. See words that rhyme with heirloom Spanish Central: Translation of heirloom Nglish: Translation of heirloom for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heirloom

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