prune

Universal Words 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.