Answer:
1. Definition:
The verb form of the word "import" means to bring goods or services into a country from another country. The noun form can mean the goods or services that are so brought from another country. The ordinary meaning is the "essence" or "meaning" of a statement or an action. But for our purpose here, imports refer to goods and services brought in from another country and the accompanying action.
2. Usage of the word "import" in a sentence, especially about Texas in the 1830s:
'Texas served as the center of Mexican imports before the 1830s, but this was disrupted in 1846 following the American blockade of Mexican ports mainly located in Texas.' This blockade made it difficult for Mexico to import goods through Texan ports. It also affected its ability to fight the war that erupted in 1846 and helped to end Mexico's control of the US-annexed Texas.
Explanation:
Before gaining some period of independence in the 1830s, Texas was part of Mexico. However, Mexico lost Texas to the US following the war between the two neighbors. Political and financial instability hampered Mexico's ability to prosecute the war with America, worsened by the blockade of Mexican ports in Texas.
