- growth
- growth [ grouθ ] noun ***▸ 1 a gain in number, etc.▸ 2 economic increase▸ 3 when living things grow▸ 4 emotional development▸ 5 something that grows▸ 6 lump in/on living thing1. ) singular or uncount an increase in the number, size, or importance of something:growth in: a substantial growth in the number of entry-level jobsgrowth of: the international growth of capitalismperiod of growth: We are entering a period of rapid population growth.rate of growth: The annual rate of growth was 12 percent.2. ) singular or uncount an increase in the success of a business or a country's economy, or in the amount of money invested in them: EXPANSION:The engineering sector achieved significant growth last year.a market that has showed real growtheconomic/industrial growth: measures designed to stimulate economic growtha ) only before noun used for describing industries, activities, etc. that are growing quickly:Computing remains a growth area.3. ) singular or uncount an increase in the size or development of a living thinga ) used about children and animals:stunt (someone's) growth (=stop it from happening correctly): Doctors fear that these medicines may stunt your growth.b ) used about plants and trees:More air means better root growth.c ) used about a part of your body, especially your hair or nails:There is no evidence that the drug increases hair growth.d ) used about bacteria, cells, or CRYSTALS:Some hormones inhibit the growth of cancer cells.4. ) uncount someone's emotional and spiritual development:personal growth: ways to encourage our personal and spiritual growth5. ) uncount something that grows or has recently grown, for example on a plant:new growth: New growth will develop during the spring.growth of: He had several weeks' growth of beard.6. ) count 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:a cancerous growth
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.