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Definition growth in American English

growth noun

noun
/ɡroʊθ/

▪ encourage, foster, increase, inhibit, promote, stimulate, stunt

1

an increase in the number, size, or importance of something

Example

a substantial growth in the number of available jobs

Example

the international growth of capitalism

Example

We are entering a period of rapid population growth.

Example

The annual rate of growth was 12 percent.

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2

an increase in the success of a business or a country's economy, or in the amount of money invested in them

Example

The engineering sector achieved significant growth last year.

Example

a market that has showed real growth

Example

measures designed to stimulate economic growth

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Example

Computing remains a growth area.

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3

an increase in the size, number, or development of a living thing

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3.1

used about children and animals

Example

Doctors fear that these medicines may stunt your growth.

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3.2

used about plants and trees

Example

More air means better root growth.

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3.3

used about a part of your body, especially your hair or nails

Example

There is no evidence that the drug increases hair growth.

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3.4

used about bacteria, cells, or crystals

Example

Some hormones inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

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4

someone's emotional and spiritual development

Example

ways to encourage our personal and spiritual growth

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5

something that grows or has recently grown, for example on a plant

Example

New growth will develop during the spring.

Example

He had several weeks' growth of beard.

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6

a lump that grows inside or on a person, animal, or plant, caused by cells that have grown in a way that is not normal

Example

a cancerous growth

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Definition growth in American English