What is the meaning of sprouting?

noun

• The process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow.
  • synonyms: germination

verb

• Produce buds, branches, or germinate.
  • usage: "the potatoes sprouted"
  • synonyms: shoot, spud, germinate, pullulate, bourgeon, burgeon forth, sprout
• Put forth and grow sprouts or shoots.
  • usage: "the plant sprouted early this year"
  • synonyms: sprout, stock