Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
germen
noun
/ˈɡɜːr.mən/
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Definition
A germen is an organism at its early developmental stage, particularly in reference to the embryonic phase of certain plants or animals.
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Examples
- The germen of the seed is crucial for its growth into a mature plant.
- In horticulture, understanding the germen can help in nurturing young seedlings.
- The germen forms the basis of early cellular differentiation in embryos.
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Meaning
In biological contexts, a germen refers to the initial, often microscopic, form of life that can grow and develop into a fully formed organism.
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Synonyms
- embryo
- seedling
- initial stage