First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1prune
noun \ˈprün\
: a dried plum that is often cooked before it is eaten
Full Definition of PRUNE
: a plum dried or capable of drying without fermentation
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Origin of PRUNE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, plum, from Latin prunum — more at plum
2prune
verb
: to cut off some of the branches of (a tree or bush) so that it will grow better or look better
: to reduce (something) by removing parts that are not necessary or wanted
prunedprun·ing
Full Definition of PRUNE
transitive verb
1
a : to reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter <pruned the text> <prune the budget> b : to remove as superfluous <prune away all ornamentation>
2
: to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth <prune the branches>
intransitive verb
: to cut away what is unwanted or superfluous
— prun·er noun
See prune defined for English-language learners
Origin of PRUNE
PRUNE[1] Defined for Kids
1prune
noun \ˈprün\
Definition of PRUNE for Kids
: a dried plum
2prune
verb
prunedprun·ing
Definition of PRUNE for Kids
1
: to cut off dead or unwanted parts of a bush or tree
2
: to cut out useless or unwanted parts (as unnecessary words in something written)
Medical Dictionary
prune
noun \ˈprün\
Medical Definition of PRUNE
: a plum dried or capable of drying without fermentation and often used as a food and as a mild laxative
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