What does GRAFT mean?

Parts of Speech:

Graft is a noun and a verb.

Definitions:

As a noun, graft means the act of taking tissue from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another to replace damaged or absent parts. It can also mean the acquisition of money or advantage by dishonest or unfair means. As a verb, graft means to transplant tissue from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another. It can also mean to acquire money or advantage by dishonest or unfair means.

Pronunciations:

US: /ɡræft/

UK: /ɡrɑːft/

Origin and Usage:

The word "graft" originated from Old English "græft" which means "a digging, ditch, trench, canal, grave". Its meaning evolved to include "a shoot inserted into a slit on the trunk or stem of a living plant from which it receives sap and grows into a new branch or tree". It then expanded to include "the act of taking tissue from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another to replace damaged or absent parts". The meaning of "acquiring money or advantage by dishonest or unfair means" came later in the 19th century.

Synonyms:

As a noun: transplant, implant, transfer, corruption, bribery, deception.

As a verb: transplant, transfer, implant, cheat, deceive, swindle.

Related Words:

craft, draft, graft, shaft, waft.

Example Sentences:

As a noun:

• The patient received a skin graft to repair the damaged area.
• The politician was accused of corruption and graft.

As a verb:

• The surgeon will graft skin from the patients thigh onto the wound.
• The businessman was caught trying to graft money from the government.