Word
pinching
Phoneticspinch·ing
US/ˈpɪntʃɪŋ/
UK/pˈɪntʃɪŋ/
Definition
v. to remove the tips of a plant's stems with your fingers. This helps the plant grow more branches and become thicker instead of just growing tall.
v. to remove the terminal bud or growing tip of a plant stem to encourage lateral branching and bushier growth. Often performed manually without tools to stimulate a more compact habit.
Examples
“Try pinching the basil plants to help them grow more leaves.”
“By pinching the young tomato plants early in the season, gardeners can ensure a more robust and manageable harvest.”
“Experienced horticulturists recommend pinching the leading shoots of fuchsias and geraniums throughout the spring to prevent the specimens from becoming leggy and to maximise the eventual floral display.”
Examples
simple
“Try pinching the basil plants to help them grow more leaves.”
contextual
“By pinching the young tomato plants early in the season, gardeners can ensure a more robust and manageable harvest.”
complex
“Experienced horticulturists recommend pinching the leading shoots of fuchsias and geraniums throughout the spring to prevent the specimens from becoming leggy and to maximise the eventual floral display.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes the plant or the specific shoot as its direct object.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/pinching