—v.tr.
1 bring in (esp. foreign goods or services) to a country.
2 (often foll. by that + clause) a imply, indicate, signify. b express, make known.
—n.
1 the process of importing.
2 a an imported article or service. b (in pl.) an amount imported (imports exceeded pound50m.).
3 what is implied; meaning.
4 importance.
Derivatives:
importable adj. importation n. importer n. (all in sense 1 of v.).
Etymology: ME f. L importare bring in, in med.L = imply, be of consequence (as IN-(2), portare carry)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.