Definition of nurture

< nurturance

Nüsslein-Volhard >

nur·ture    (nûrchr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Something that nourishes; sustenance.
2. The act of bringing up.
3. Biology The sum of environmental influences and conditions acting on an organism.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
nur·tured, nur·tur·ing, nur·tures

1. To nourish; feed.
2. To educate; train.
3. To help grow or develop; cultivate: nurture a student's talent.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin ntrtra, act of suckling, from Latin ntrtus, past participle of ntrre, to suckle; see (s)nu- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
nurtur·er(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
nurture, cultivate, foster, nurse

These verbs mean to promote and sustain the growth and development of: nurturing hopes; cultivating tolerance; foster friendly relations; nursed the fledgling business.