breeding
/'bri:diɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The process of producing offspring through sexual reproduction: Refers to the biological act of animals or plants conceiving and giving birth to or generating new individuals.
- The controlled mating and selection of animals or plants to develop desired qualities: The science and practice of improving a species or variety through selective pairing.
- Training in the proper social conduct and manners considered appropriate for a particular society or class: The result of upbringing that instills refinement, courtesy, and knowledge of social conventions.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The breeding of endangered species in captivity is crucial for their survival.
- Selective breeding has produced cows that yield more milk.
- Her impeccable manners were a clear sign of good breeding.
Advanced Usage
- "Inbreeding": The breeding of closely related individuals, which can increase the risk of genetic disorders.
- Inbreeding within the small population led to health problems.
- "Cross-breeding": The mating of individuals from different breeds or varieties.
- Cross-breeding these two types of roses created a more resilient flower.
Variants and Related Words
- Breed (verb/noun): To produce offspring; a specific type or kind of animal.
- These dogs breed easily.
- What breed is your cat?
- Well-bred (adjective): Having or showing good upbringing; polite and refined.
- He was a well-bred gentleman.
Synonyms
- Rearing: The process of bringing up and training (often for animals).
- Upbringing: The treatment and instruction received during childhood.
- Cultivation: Refinement and good education (in a social context).
- Propagation: The breeding of specimens of a plant or animal.
Related Phrases
- "Back to breeding": A phrase used in animal husbandry to indicate an animal is being returned to its primary role of producing offspring.
- After her racing career, the mare was sent back to breeding.
Related Idioms
- "Nature versus nurture": A debate concerning the relative importance of an individual's innate qualities ("nature") versus personal experiences ("nurture" or upbringing/breeding) in determining differences.
- The study of twins often informs the discussion of nature versus nurture.
Adjective
- producing offspring or set aside especially for producing offspring
- the breeding population
- retained a few bulls for breeding purposes
Noun
- the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
- the production of animals or plants by inbreeding or hybridization
- helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community
- they debated whether nature or nurture was more important
- the result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior)
- a woman of breeding and refinement
- elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression