germ line

noun

|Updated on: 20 May 2018

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

Recent Examples of germ line from the Web

The germ line cells could later be thawed and used in natural and captive breeding programs.

— rebecca albright, Scientific American, "Scientists Are Taking Extreme Steps to Help Corals Survive," 1 Jan. 2018
Either way, Graham’s politicking altered the germ line of American Christianity.

— sarah jones, New Republic, "Billy Graham’s Circus Left Him Behind," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'germ line.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of germ line

1925

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

germ line

noun

medical Definition of germ line

: the cellular lineage especially of a sexually reproducing animal from which eggs and sperm are derived and in which a cell undergoing mutation can be passed to the next generation