graft1
n.
- a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk or stem of a living plant, from which it receives sap.
- a piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically.
▸an operation in which tissue is transplanted.
v.
- insert or transplant as a graft.
- integrate in or attach to something else, especially inappropriately.
Etymology
ME graff, from OFr. grafe, via L. from Gk graphion ‘writing implement’ (with ref. to the tapered tip of the shoot or twig), from graphein ‘write’.
graft2
n.
hard work.
v.
work hard.
Derivative
Etymology
C19: perh. rel. to the phr. spade's graft ‘the amount of earth that one stroke of a spade will move’.
graft3
n.
informal bribery and other corrupt measures pursued for gain in politics or business.
v.
make money by corrupt means.
Derivative
Etymology
C19: of unknown origin.