seeds
n. · v.-
1 plant parts (n.) A2 Elementary Sciencethe small objects produced by a plant from which a new plant can grow.
the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into another such plant.
ExampleShe planted the sunflower seeds in a row along the garden fence.
ExampleThe botanist collected various seeds from the rainforest floor to study their germination patterns under controlled laboratory conditions.
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2 the start of an idea (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe beginning or cause of something that develops later.
the initial stage or germ of a feeling, idea, or process.
ExampleThe conversation planted the seeds of a new business idea in his mind.
ExampleThe documentary planted the seeds of doubt regarding the official narrative, leading to a widespread public demand for a new inquiry.
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3 sports ranking (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sportplayers or teams ranked by their skill in a competition.
competitors ranked according to their perceived skill level to prevent top players from meeting early in a tournament.
ExampleThe top seeds usually win their first matches quite easily.
ExampleThe tournament saw a major upset when one of the lower seeds defeated the defending champion in the opening round.
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4 planting or ranking (v.) B1 Intermediateto plant seeds in the ground, or to rank players in a competition.
to sow a piece of land with seeds; also, to position a competitor in a tournament bracket.
ExampleThe farmer seeds the field every spring before the heavy rains arrive.
ExampleThe committee seeds the players based on their international performance over the previous twelve months.
UsageThe verb is transitive and requires a direct object.