gemmule

noun gem·mule \ ˈjem-(ˌ)yül \

Definition of gemmule

: a small bud:

a : a theoretical particle proposed in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring)

b : a reproductive bud produced by freshwater and some marine sponges that consists of a usually hardened aggregate of cells

Origin and Etymology of gemmule

French, from Latin gemmula, diminutive of gemma

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1828

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

gemmule

noun gem·mule \ ˈjem-(ˌ)yü(ə)l \

medical Definition of gemmule

1 : a theoretical particle in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring)

2 : a minute thorny process of a nerve-cell dendrite