◙ verb, [with obj.] 1. bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale • 进口 »most iron ore had to be imported from Spain. 大多数铁矿石必须从西班牙进口。 »[no obj.] Caribbean countries import from the UK. 加勒比国家从英国进口。 introduce (an idea) from a different place or context • 传入，引入（思想） »new beliefs were often imported by sailors. 新的信仰常由水手传入。 [Computing] transfer (data) into a file or document • [计算机] 输入 2. (archaic)indicate or signify • [古] 意味，表明 »having thus seen, what is imported in a Man's trusting his Heart. 这样看来，一个人相信他的内心意味着什么。 express or make known • 表达，传达 »[with clause] they passed a resolution importing that they relied on His Majesty's gracious promise. 他们通过了一项决意来表达他们仰仗陛下恩赐的允诺。 ◙ noun 1. [一般作 imports] a commodity, article, or service brought in from abroad for sale • 进口品 (imports)sales of goods or services brought in from abroad, or the revenue from such sales • 进口品销售；进口品销售收入 »this surplus pushes up the yen, which ought to boost imports. 盈余使日元上涨，从而必然增加进口品的销售。 [mass noun] the action or process of importing goods or services • 进口 »the import of live cattle from Canada. 从加拿大对活牲畜的进口。 2. [in sing.] the meaning or significance of something, especially when not directly stated • （尤指暗指的）意义，含意 »the import of her message is clear. 她留言的含意很清楚。 [mass noun] great significance;importance • 重大意义，重要性 »pronouncements of world-shaking import. 有震惊世界之重大意义的声明。
1. late Middle English (in the sense 'signify'): from Latin importare 'bring in' (in medieval Latin 'imply, mean, be of consequence'), from in- 'in' + portare 'carry'