bonsai
n. C / Un. a small tree or plant that is grown in a shallow pot to keep it tiny. You use special techniques to shape its branches and control its size.
n. a small tree or shrub grown in a shallow container to maintain a miniature size. The practice involves pruning and wiring to mimic the appearance of a full-sized tree in nature.
He spends hours every day caring for his bonsai.
The museum features a collection of ancient bonsai trees that have been carefully shaped by generations of gardeners.
While many people view bonsai as a simple decorative hobby, it requires a deep understanding of horticulture and a patient commitment to the long-term health of the specimen.
From Japanese 盆栽 (bonsai), from Middle Chinese 盆 (MC bwon, “bowl”) + 栽 (MC tsoj|dzojH, “to plant”).