gemmule

[ jem-yool ]
/ ˈdʒɛm yul /

noun

Botany. gemma.
Zoology. an asexually produced mass of cells that is capable of developing into an animal, as a freshwater sponge.
Evolution. one of the hypothetical living units conceived by Darwin in the theory of pangenesis as the bearers of the hereditary attributes.

Origin of gemmule

1835–45; < French < Latin gemmula. See gemma, -ule

Words nearby gemmule

gemmiferous, gemmiform, gemmipara, gemmiparous, gemmulation, gemmule, gemmuliferous, gemmy, gemology, gemot, gempylid

Example sentences from the Web for gemmule

British Dictionary definitions for gemmule

gemmule
/ (ˈdʒɛmjuːl) /

noun

zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud
botany a small gemma
a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis

Word Origin for gemmule

C19: from French, from Latin gemmula a little bud; see gem

Medical definitions for gemmule

gemmule
[ jĕm′yōōl ]

n.

The small bud that projects from the parent cell during gemmation.

Scientific definitions for gemmule

gemmule
[ jĕm′yōōl ]

A small gemma or similar structure, especially a reproductive structure in some sponges that remains dormant through the winter and later develops into a new individual.