variants:
or germline \
ˈjərm-ˌlīn 
\
\
Definition of germ line
: the cellular lineage of a sexually-reproducing organism from which eggs and sperm are derived
also
: the genetic material contained in this cellular lineage which can be passed to the next generation
Learn More About germ line
Statistics for germ line
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Germ line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ%20line. Accessed 16 May. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
More Definitions for germ line
germ line
noun
variants:
or germline \
ˈjərm-ˌlīn
\
\
Medical Definition of germ line
: the cellular lineage especially of a sexually reproducing organism from which eggs and sperm are derived and in which a cell undergoing mutation can be passed to the next generation
… the difference between gene therapy of somatic cells and modification of the germ line …— David Baltimore
also
: the genetic material contained in this cellular lineage which can be passed to the next generation
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Color
-
- Name that color:
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Face Your Fears
Don't be scared to answer these questions about f...
Take the quiz
-
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP
You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
Take the quiz
-
Name Those Herbs and Spices
How many do you know?
Take the quiz
-
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
The faster you answer, the higher your score
Take the quiz
Share germ line
Time Traveler for germ line
The first known use of germ line was in 1916
See more words from the same year