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bud off

C1 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To grow a little part that breaks away and becomes its own separate thing — like yeast cells or coral splitting to make new ones.

Literal meaning: For a small bud or protrusion to form and then detach from the parent organism.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

In biology, to reproduce asexually by forming a new individual from an outgrowth (bud) of the parent organism.

"Yeast cells bud off to reproduce, creating new cells that are genetically identical to the parent."

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

To form a new organization, group, or project that separates from a larger parent body.

"The research team budded off from the university to form its own independent institute."

Usage notes

Primarily used in biology (asexual reproduction in organisms such as yeast, hydra, and coral). Also used metaphorically to describe a new company, department, or group splitting off from a parent organization.

Commonly used with

organism cell colony company group yeast

Forms

Base
bud off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buds off
he/she/it
Past simple
buded off
yesterday
Past participle
buded off
have + pp
-ing form
buding off
continuous

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