gemma
[ jem-uh ]
/ ˈdʒɛm ə /
noun, plural gem·mae [jem-ee] /ˈdʒɛm i/.
a bud.
Botany.
a cell or cluster of cells, or a leaflike or budlike body, that separates from the parent plant to form a new organism, as in mosses and liverworts.
Origin of gemma
1760–70; < Latin: bud,
gem
Words nearby gemma
geminian,
geminiani,
geminid,
geminids,
geminiflorous,
gemma,
gemmaceous,
gemmate,
gemmation,
gemmiferous,
gemmiform
Example sentences from the Web for gemmae
The gemmae formed on submerged Mucors may bud like a yeast, and even bring about alcoholic fermentation in a saccharine solution.
Erect branches may arise from the protonema, and gemmae may be developed on it.
Usually the gemmae arise by the outgrowth of superficial cells, and become free by breaking away from their stalk.
British Dictionary definitions for gemmae
gemma
/ (ˈdʒɛmə) /
noun plural -mae (-miː)
a small asexual reproductive structure in liverworts, mosses, etc, that becomes detached from the parent and develops into a new individual
zoology another name for gemmule (def. 1)
Derived forms of gemma
gemmaceous (dʒɛˈmeɪʃəs), adjectiveWord Origin for gemma
C18: from Latin: bud,
gem
Scientific definitions for gemmae
gemma
[ jĕm′ə ]
Plural gemmae (jĕm′ē′)
A budlike mass of undifferentiated tissue which serves as a means of vegetative reproduction among mosses and liverworts. The gemmae, often formed in structures called gemma cups, are usually dispersed from the parent plant by the splashing of raindrops, after which they develop into new individuals.