culture

[ kuhl-cher ]
/ ˈkʌl tʃər /

noun

verb (used with object), cul·tured, cul·tur·ing.

to subject to culture; cultivate.
Biology.
  1. to grow (microorganisms, tissues, etc.) in or on a controlled or defined medium.
  2. to introduce (living material) into a culture medium.

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Origin of culture

1400–50; late Middle English: tilling, place tilled (< Anglo-French) < Latin cultūra. See cult, -ure

OTHER WORDS FROM culture

Example sentences from the Web for culture

British Dictionary definitions for culture

culture
/ (ˈkʌltʃə) /

noun

verb (tr)

to cultivate (plants or animals)
to grow (microorganisms) in a culture medium

Derived forms of culture

culturist, noun cultureless, adjective

Word Origin for culture

C15: from Old French, from Latin cultūra a cultivating, from colere to till; see cult

Medical definitions for culture

culture
[ kŭlchər ]

n.

The growing of microorganisms, tissue cells, or other living matter in a specially prepared nutrient medium.
Such a growth or colony, as of bacteria.

v.

To grow microorganisms or other living matter in a specially prepared nutrient medium.
To use a substance as a medium for culture.

Scientific definitions for culture

culture
[ kŭlchər ]

Noun

A growth of microorganisms, viruses, or tissue cells in a specially prepared nutrient medium under supervised conditions.
The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. Culture is learned and shared within social groups and is transmitted by nongenetic means.

Verb

To grow microorganisms, viruses, or tissue cells in a nutrient medium.

Cultural definitions for culture

culture

The sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another. Culture is transmitted, through language, material objects, ritual, institutions, and art, from one generation to the next.

notes for culture

Anthropologists consider that the requirements for culture (language use, tool making, and conscious regulation of sex) are essential features that distinguish humans from other animals.

notes for culture

Culture also refers to refined music, art, and literature; one who is well versed in these subjects is considered “cultured.”