growing point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “growing point” mean?
In botany, the tip of a plant shoot or root where active cell division and growth occur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In botany, the tip of a plant shoot or root where active cell division and growth occur.
Metaphorically, a centre of new development, activity, or potential in any field (e.g., business, technology, thought).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally standard in both varieties within scientific and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in literal use; positive connotation of potential and development in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation; higher frequency in academic (botany, economics) and business/analytical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “growing point” in a Sentence
[adjective] + growing pointgrowing point + of + [noun]at the growing pointVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “growing point” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The growing-point region is highly sensitive to hormones.
- They identified a growing-point market in sustainable tech.
American English
- The growing-point tissue was examined under a microscope.
- Their strategy targets growing-point industries in the Midwest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a market segment, product line, or region showing the most promising expansion and revenue potential.
Academic
Used precisely in botany/plant physiology; used metaphorically in economics, sociology, and literary theory.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in gardening contexts or in discussing trends.
Technical
The apical meristem; the region of a plant where cells divide and differentiate, driving primary growth.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “growing point”
- Using 'growing spot' (incorrect).
- Confusing with 'turning point' (a moment of decisive change).
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'The company is growing point...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a noun phrase written as two separate words: 'growing point'. It is not hyphenated.
Not literally. Metaphorically, you could say a person is 'at a growing point in their career,' but it's more typical to apply it to abstract concepts like fields, industries, or ideas.
A 'growing point' is a centre of active development or potential. A 'turning point' is a moment of decisive change, often where the direction of events shifts.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, analytical, academic, or business writing. It is not common in casual conversation.
In botany, the tip of a plant shoot or root where active cell division and growth occur.
Growing point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrəʊɪŋ pɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡroʊɪŋ pɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'point' on a plant that is actively 'growing' – that's the literal meaning. For the metaphor, imagine a map where new ideas or businesses are sprouting – that area is the growing point.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS PLANT GROWTH (e.g., 'nurturing a growing point in the industry').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'growing point' used LITERALLY?