verb / noun
breed
BREED/briːd/
To produce offspring through reproduction.
Rabbits breed and produce litters of small kits that shelter beside their mother.
Etymology
Bredan joined bringing young to birth with keeping them warm, reflecting the image of incubation. Producing and nurturing life broadened into causing something to come into being or develop.
In context
humans trying to breed them and the martens themselves. Female martens breed at different times of the year depending on the species, but they remain pregnant for almost ⅔ of the year.
More examples
- These birds breed on remote islands.
- Secrecy can breed suspicion among colleagues.
- The collie is a breed known for herding livestock.
Forms
breed · breeds · bred · breeding
Similar words
- raise
- Raise means care for offspring as they grow; breed means produce them or arrange reproduction.