noun

1. cultivation of the soil
2. production, development, or improvement of a particular plant, animal, commodity, etc.
3. 1. the growth of bacteria, microorganisms, or other plant and animal cells in a specially prepared nourishing fluid or solid
   2. a colony of microorganisms or cells thus grown
4. 1. development, improvement, or refinement of the intellect, emotions, interests, manners, and taste
   2. the result of this; refined ways of thinking, talking, and acting
5. development or improvement of physical qualities by special training or care body culture, voice culture
6. 1. the ideas, customs, skills, arts, etc. of a people or group, that are transferred, communicated, or passed along, as in or to succeeding generations
   2. such ideas, customs, etc. of a particular people or group in a particular period; civilization
   3. the particular people or group having such ideas, customs, etc.

Etymology: ME < L cultura < colere: see cult

transitive verb cultured -·tured, culturing -·tur·ing

1. to cultivate
2. to grow (microorganisms or cells) in a specially prepared medium