Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

embryo

noun
/ˈɛm.bri.oʊ/
Definition
An early stage of development for a living organism, especially in humans during the first eight weeks after conception.
Examples
  • The embryo develops into a fetus after the first trimester.
  • Scientists study embryos to understand early human development.
  • In plants, the embryo is the young form that will grow into a new plant.
Meaning
The term ’embryo’ refers to the initial phase of development when a fertilized egg begins to grow and develop into a complex structure.
Synonyms
  • Fetus
  • Zygote
  • Blastocyst