embryo
embryo Lexical Profile
embryo Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An unborn or unhatched Multicellular organism in the early stages of development following fertilization, specifically before the formation of all major organ systems.
"The biologist examined the developing chick embryo under a high-powered microscope."
The rudimentary miniature plant contained within a seed, consisting of the precursor tissues for the leaves, stem, and root.
"When moisture penetrates the tough seed coat, the dormant plant embryo begins to germinate."
A thing, concept, or institution in an incipient, rudimentary, or undeveloped stage (often used in the phrase 'in embryo').
"The ambitious reform plan existed only in embryo when the committee first convened."
Word Nuance & Usage
In human developmental biology, 'embryo' refers strictly to the stage from implantation until the end of the eighth week after fertilization, after which the developing organism is termed a 'fetus'.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin 'embryo', from Ancient Greek 'embryon' ('a young one, unborn fetus'), formed from 'en-' ('in') and 'bryein' ('to swell, teem, or grow').