Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having begun to grow; having produced new shoots or buds: Describes a seed, grain, or plant that has started to germinate and produce new growth.
   • Having just emerged from the ground: Specifically describes young vegetation that has recently broken through the soil surface.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The sprouted beans are ready to be eaten in a salad.
  • We planted the seeds last week, and now they are all sprouted.
  • The field was covered with newly sprouted wheat.

Advanced Usage

• "sprouted" as a participial adjective: The word often functions as an adjective derived from the past participle of the verb "to sprout." It describes the state resulting from the action of sprouting.
  • The sprouted onion in the pantry should be planted, not thrown away. (Here, "sprouted" describes the onion's current condition.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sprout (verb): To begin to grow; to put forth shoots.
  • The potatoes will sprout if left in a warm, dark place.
• Sprout (noun): A new growth on a plant; a young shoot. Also refers to certain edible young plants, like bean sprouts or Brussels sprouts.
  • Add some alfalfa sprouts to your sandwich for a fresh crunch.

Synonyms

• Germinated: (of a seed) having begun to grow and put out shoots.
• Budding: Beginning to develop or show signs of future potential.
• Shooting: (of a plant) sending out new growth.

Antonyms

• Dormant: (of a plant or seed) alive but not actively growing.
• Withered: (of a plant) dried up and dead.

Related Phrases

• To come up: (of plants) to appear above the ground.
  • The tulips have finally come up.
• To spring up: To appear or develop quickly.
  • New buildings sprang up all over the city. (Note: This is a figurative use, not directly related to plant growth.)

Adjective

1. (of growing vegetation) having just emerged from the ground
   • the corn is sprouted