The term "bud" has multiple meanings depending on its context.
1) In botany, a bud is an undeveloped or developing shoot that is formed during the growing season and contains small leaves, flowers, or both. It is an axillary growth that appears in the leaf axis of many plants.
2) In horticulture, "bud" refers to a young plant that has not yet flowered or fruited.
3) In popular culture, "bud" can refer to a close friend or acquaintance, often used as a term of endearment. For example: "Hey bud, what's up?"
4) Lastly, in some regions, the word "bud" is also used colloquially to mean an amount of marijuana that has not yet been fully grown or harvested.