vegetativestate
nounUK /ˌvedʒɪˈteɪtɪv steɪt/
US /ˌvedʒəˈteɪtɪv steɪt/
A condition where a person is awake but cannot think, move, or respond.
After the accident, he remained in a vegetative state for months.
SYNONYMS
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A condition in plants involving growth and nutrition rather than reproduction.
The vegetative state of the plant focuses on leaf and stem growth.
3. A phase in bacteria where cells grow and divide actively.
During the vegetative state, the bacteria multiplied rapidly.
4. A dormant or inactive condition of certain organisms.
The fungus survives winter in a vegetative state.