germination

noun

ger·​mi·​na·​tion

plural -s

1

: the beginning, process, or result of germinating:

a

: the initial development of a spore involving either production of a germ tube or internal breakup

the first stage in germination of a spore is the absorption of water

—George Smith

b

: the resumption of growth by the embryo in a seed after planting that involves the development of a young plant from the embryo after a period of dormancy : sprouting

germination starts when the seed coat is broken

—F. S. Baker

c

: the development of a bud

d

: the production of a pollen tube by a pollen grain

2

: the beginning of growth or development : evolution

the germination of newer and more tentative ideas

—J. T. Edsall

Word History

Etymology

Latin germination-, germinatio, from germinatus + -ion-, -io -ion

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Rhymes for germination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation