vegetative

adjective

veg·​e·​ta·​tive ˈve-jə-ˌtā-tiv 

1

: relating to, composed of, or suggesting vegetation

2

: of or relating to the division of nature comprising the plant kingdom

3

: leading a dull, monotonous, or passive existence : vegetable entry 2 sense 3

4

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

: promoting plant growth

the vegetative properties of soil

c

: of, relating to, or involving propagation by nonsexual processes or methods

5

a

: autonomic sense 1

b

: characterized by, resulting from, or being a state in which there is total loss of cognitive functioning and only involuntary bodily functions (such as breathing or blinking of the eyes) are sustained

vegetatively adverb

vegetativeness noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In this newer view, a person can occupy an infinite number of spaces on a gradient from legally capable to incapable, with the far end of the spectrum reserved for people stuck in comas or vegetative states. —Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023

The couple's biggest fear was that the therapy, intended to correct the genetic mistake that was poisoning Alissa's brain, would extend her life but not substantially improve her vegetative state. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2023

Orlando estimated the cost of disposing its 274,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris at $13 million, said storm debris manager Mike Carroll, to the Orlando Sentinel. —Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2022

Individuals, businesses like restaurants and HOAs, and corporations and institutions that have onsite kitchens and cafeterias that produce vegetative scraps can participate. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2022

Blue spectrum lights are best during the plant’s seedling and vegetative stages, while red spectrum lights are ideal during flowering. —Washington Post, 11 May 2022

The cooked agave and fruity notes carry through to the palate, along with the vegetative and earthy notes. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 23 Apr. 2022

Interestingly enough, the Rebbe, in a 1953 letter, points out that in a world made of mineral, vegetative, animal, and human life, the timing of the Jewish New Year is precisely on the day humanity was created. —Rabbi Chaim Slavaticki, Sun Sentinel, 21 Sep. 2022

The plant spends its first year in a vegetative state as a low-growing basal rosette, which produces a robust root system. —Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English vegetatif "promoting growth, of the lowest species of soul in Aristotelian philosophy (characteristic of plants), of the plant kingdom," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French vegetative, borrowed from Medieval Latin vegetātīvus, from Late Latin vegetātus, past participle of vegetāre "to live, grow" + Latin -īvus -ive — more at vegetate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a(1)

Phrases Containing vegetative

• persistent vegetative state

• persistent vegetative state

Kids Definition

vegetative

adjective

veg·​e·​ta·​tive ˈvej-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

1

: of, relating to, or functioning in nutrition and growth rather than reproduction

2

: of, relating to, or involving reproduction by other than sexual means

vegetatively adverb

Medical Definition

vegetative

adjective

veg·​e·​ta·​tive ˈvej-ə-ˌtāt-iv 

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

vegetatively adverb