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Definition of germination

germination

/ˌdʒɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən/
ger · mi · na · tion
Plural:germinations
•
Adjective:germinative
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germination Lexical Profile

germination Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The physiological process by which a plant or fungus emerges and develops from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy.

Example

"Warm soil and adequate moisture are essential to trigger the germination of the tomato seeds."

2

The beginning, origin, or initial development of an idea, plan, or creative work.

Example

"Her travel journal provides fascinating insight into the early germination of her award-winning novel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for germination
Antonyms
View all antonyms for germination

• Rhymes for germination

• Nearby Words

germicidal
germicide
germinate
germination
germophobe
germophobia
germophobic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin germinatio, a noun of action from germinare ('to sprout forth, bud'), derived from germen ('sprout, bud, offshoot').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Germination. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/germination
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