DictionaryplantIndustrial facility
noun

plant

A facility used for manufacturing or industrial processing.

The plant produces steel parts for cars and farm equipment.

Etymology

Plant acquired an industrial sense for equipment installed to carry out an operation. The name broadened from the installed machinery to the whole manufacturing facility.

More examples

  • The treatment plant cleans wastewater before releasing it into the river.
  • Both plants shut down for routine maintenance each summer.
  • The company invests in new plant and equipment each year.

Forms

plant · plants

Similar words

factory
Specifically makes goods, rather than performing any industrial process.
mill
Typically processes materials such as grain, lumber, or textile fibers.