engraft

verb

en·​graft in-ˈgraft How to pronounce engraft (audio)
en-
engrafted; engrafting; engrafts

transitive verb

1
: to join or fasten as if by grafting
2
: graft sense 1
3
: graft sense 2

intransitive verb

: to become grafted and begin functioning normally
the transplanted bone marrow engrafted successfully
engraftment
in-ˈgraf(t)-mənt How to pronounce engraft (audio)
en-
noun

Examples of engraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Before getting the altered cells infused, a patient must undergo chemotherapy to clear out space in their bone marrow for the new cells to engraft. — Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2022 Dopamine neurons derived from human ES cells efficiently engraft in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. — Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engraft was in 1549

Rhymes for engraft

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engraft
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Cite this Entry

“Engraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engraft. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

engraft

transitive verb
en·​graft in-ˈgraft How to pronounce engraft (audio)
: graft
engrafted embryonic gill tissue into the back
engraftment
-ˈgraf(t)-mənt How to pronounce engraft (audio)
noun
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