Dictionary.com

botany

[ bot-n-ee ]
/ ˈbɒt n i /
Save This Word!

noun, plural bot·a·nies.
the science of plants; the branch of biology that deals with plant life.
the plant life of a region: the botany of Alaska.
the biology of a plant or plant group: the botany of deciduous trees.
(sometimes initial capital letter) Botany wool.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of botany

1690–1700; botan(ic) (see botanical) + -y3
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use botany in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for botany

botany
/ (ˈbɒtənɪ) /

noun plural -nies
the study of plants, including their classification, structure, physiology, ecology, and economic importance
the plant life of a particular region or time
the biological characteristics of a particular group of plants

Derived forms of botany

botanist, noun

Word Origin for botany

C17: from botanical; compare astronomy, astronomical
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for botany

botany
[ bŏtn-ē ]

The scientific study of plants, including their growth, structure, physiology, reproduction, and pathology, as well as their economic use and cultivation by humans.
The plant life of a particular area.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for botany

botany

The scientific study and categorization of plants. (See fruit, photosynthesis, and plant kingdom.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
FEEDBACK