noun, verb
noun a dried PLUM that is often eaten cooked:
stewed prunes
verb [VN] ~ sth (back)
1 to cut off some of the branches from a tree, bush, etc. so that it will grow better and stronger:
When should you prune apple trees? * He pruned the longer branches off the tree. * The hedge needs pruning back.
2 to make sth smaller by removing parts; to cut out parts of sth:
Staff numbers have been pruned back to 175. * The railway companies have pruned their timetables (= there are fewer trains). * Prune out any unnecessary details.
pruning noun [U]:
All roses require annual pruning. * The company would benefit from a little pruning here and there.
