sprout
verb (used without object)
to begin to grow; shoot forth, as a plant from a seed.
had been sprouting
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past perfect progressiveof sprout.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The circle which had been sprouting flame on every side also grew silent for a moment, whether because the enemy had ceased or the cartridges were all gone Dick never knew.
From The Last of the Chiefs A Story of the Great Sioux War by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)
