vegetalization
|veg-e-ta-li-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌvɛdʒɪtəˌlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌvɛdʒɪtəˌlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
becoming plant-like / covered by plants
Etymology
'vegetalization' originates from Latin via French and English: from Latin 'vegetalis' (from 'vegetare'), where 'vegetare' meant 'to enliven, quicken'. The English adjective 'vegetal' was formed from these roots, and the verb-forming suffix '-ize' plus noun-forming '-ation' produced 'vegetalization'.
'vegetalis' (Latin) → Old French/Medieval Latin forms related to 'vegetal' → English 'vegetal' → verb 'vegetalize' (formed in modern English) → noun 'vegetalization' formed by adding '-ation' to the verb.
Initially related to 'enlivening' or 'quickening' (from Latin 'vegetare'), the sense shifted toward 'pertaining to plants' and later to actions/processes that produce or resemble plant growth; modern usage focuses on growth/establishment of vegetation or making something plant-like.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of becoming covered with or converted into vegetation; the establishment or growth of plant life on an area (synonymous with revegetation/greening in many contexts).
The vegetalization of the riverbank after the restoration project helped reduce erosion and increased habitat for birds.
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Noun 2
(Specialized/figurative) The process or act of making something plant-like or imparting plant characteristics to a material, environment, or artwork.
The artist's vegetalization of the sculpture gave it an organic, living appearance.
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Last updated: 2025/09/12 17:25