regrow

Regrow is a verb meaning to grow again after being damaged, removed, or lost. In everyday use, regrowth describes the return of tissue, organs, or growth forms to a previous state. The term is closely related to regeneration, but regrowth is often used to denote a reappearance of growth rather than a complete reconstruction of original structure. Regrowth occurs across plants, animals, and humans, with patterns and timescales that vary by species and context.

In plants, regrowth commonly follows pruning, grazing, or fire. Many perennials store resources in roots or woody stems and can sprout new shoots from dormant buds or meristems. Some plants regrow leaves and stems rapidly, while others require more time or favorable conditions. The rate is influenced by species, season, and resource availability such as light, water, and nutrients.

In animals and humans, regrowth covers wound healing and tissue replacement. Skin, nail, and hair can regrow after injury or shedding, while some organs, such as the liver, can partially regrow after damage. More extensive regrowth of lost limbs or complex structures is limited to a subset of species (for example, salamanders can regrow limbs, certain invertebrates can regenerate organs), while many animals heal with scar tissue rather than exact restoration. Regeneration is a related concept that denotes restoration of original form in some contexts.

Regrowth is influenced by age, energy availability, and environmental conditions; it may be incomplete or slower under stress. In agriculture and horticulture, managing regrowth is a practical goal for crop yields and plant health.