Search the Dictionary

or growth in a seed or plant; the first development of germs, either animal or vegetable. Germination apparatus, an apparatus for malting grain.

A germinating again or anew.

The sprout at the end of a seed when it begins to germinate; the plumule in germination; -- so called from its spiral form.

The germ of the plant, which is inclosed in the seed and which is developed by germination. In embryo, in an incipient or undeveloped state; in conception, but not yet executed. "The company little suspected what a noble work I had then in embryo." Swift.

g the radicle of the embryo sheathed by the cotyledon, through which the embryo bursts in germination, as in many monocotyledonous plants.

Pertaining to germination; having power to bud or develop. Germinative spot, Germinative vesicle. (Biol.) Same as Germinal spot, Germinal vesicle, under Germinal.

The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or germination, and ends with death; also, the time during which this state continues; that state of an animal or plant in which all or any of its organs are capable of performing all or any of their functions; -- used of all animal and vegetable organisms.…

Barley or other grain, steeped in water and dried in a kiln, thus forcing germination until the saccharine principle has been evolved. It is used in brewing and in the distillation of whisky.

ervention of the male element; the production, without fertilization, of cells capable of germination. It is one of the phenomena of alternate generation. Cf. Heterogamy, and Metagenesis.

The embryo which has begun its development in the act of germination.

embryo with one or more integuments, or coverings; as, an apple seed; a currant seed. By germination it produces a new plant.

A minute grain or germ; a small, round or ovoid body, formed in certain organisms, and by germination giving rise to a new organism; as, the reproductive spores of bacteria, etc.

Something steeped, or used in steeping; a fertilizing liquid to hasten the germination of seeds.

To deprive of the power of reproducing; to render incapable of germination or fecundation; to make sterile.