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

Example sentences from the Web for gemmae

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), adjective

Word Origin for gemma

C18: from Latin: bud, gem

Scientific definitions for gemmae

gemma
[ jĕmə ]

Plural gemmae (jĕmē′)

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.