im|port

im|port «verb. ihm PRT, -POHRT, IHM prt, -pohrt; noun. IHM prt, -pohrt», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to bring in from a foreign country for sale or use (opposed to export): »

The United States imports coffee from Brazil.

2. Figurative. to bring in (persons, ideas, customs, or the like) from another country or outside source: »

Buddhism…was imported from India by way of China and Korea 1,400 years ago (New York Times). Others import yet nobler arts from France (Alexander Pope).

3. to mean; make known; signify: »

Tell me what your remark imports.

4. to be of importance or consequence to: »

It doth import him much to speak with me (Shakespeare). Yet first, let me say…what it imports thee to know (Scott).

–v.i.

to be of importance or consequence.

–n.

1. an article brought into a country (opposed to export): »

Rubber is a useful import.

2. a person brought in from another country or outside source; importee: »

He is the third new end and the 24th new import to be signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders (Edmonton Journal).

3. the act or fact of importing; importation: »

The import of diseased animals was forbidden.

4. meaning; implication; significance: »

Explain the import of your remark.

5. importance; consequence: »

matters of great import.

╂[< Latin importāre < in- in + portāre carry]

–im|port´a|ble, adjective.