DictionarycultureControlled biological growth
noun / verb

culture

The growth or growing of living organisms, cells, or tissues under controlled conditions.

Researchers culture bacteria in a nutrient-rich medium at a controlled temperature.

Etymology

The Latin word names cultivation. Laboratory culture transfers the tending and growing of crops to microorganisms, cells, or tissues maintained under controlled conditions.

More examples

  • Cell culture requires sterile equipment to prevent contamination.
  • The lab cultured yeast to study its growth.
  • Scientists are culturing skin cells for research.

Forms

culture · cultures · cultured · culturing

Similar words

cultivation
Broader term for encouraging growth, especially of plants.
grow
Does not imply a prepared medium or controlled conditions.