Definition of "pruning" []

• A removal of excess material from a tree or shrub. (noun)
• Something obtained by pruning, as a twig. (noun)
• A method of enumeration that allows the cutting out of parts of a decision tree. (noun)
• Present participle of prune. (verb)

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• "The other operations of gardening are pruning and training, and, as I have already spoken of these when treating of the different trees, I have only to add here that the great art in pruning is to give a clean sloping cut without bruising the bark, as nature will make an effort to cover the wound if the edges of the bark are left in a healthy state."
• "It came in about 200 words over the limit, so some pruning is required."
• "Begin pruning your fears of standing out and speaking in public."