weed¹ (wēd)
n.

1. 1. A plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especially one growing where it is not wanted, as in a garden.
   2. Rank growth of such plants.
2. A water plant, especially seaweed.
3. The leaves or stems of a plant as distinguished from the seeds: dill weed.
4. Something useless, detrimental, or worthless, especially an animal unfit for breeding.
5. Slang.
   1. Tobacco.
   2. A cigarette.
   3. Marijuana.

v., weed·ed, weed·ing, weeds.

v.tr.

1. To clear of weeds.
2. To remove (weeds). Often used with out: weed out dandelions.
3. To eliminate as unsuitable or unwanted. Often used with out: weed out unqualified applicants.

v.intr.
To remove weeds.

[Middle English, from Old English wēod, herb, grass, weed.]

weed² (wēd)
n.

1. A token of mourning, as a black band worn on a man's hat or sleeve.
2. weeds The black mourning clothes of a widow.
3. An article of clothing; a garment. Often used in the plural.

[Middle English wede, garment, from Old English wǣd.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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