embryo
The English word "embryo" is translated into Latin as embryo.
The term refers to an organism in the earlier stages of development, specifically before it emerges from an egg or undergoes metamorphosis.
Meaning: an organism in the earlier stages of development before it emerges from the egg, or before metamorphosis (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word germen can also be used, particularly within anatomical and biological contexts.
Did you know?
- The word embryo is a direct loanword from the Greek embryon, reflecting how Roman physicians often borrowed technical medical terminology from Greek scholars.
- The term germen is also used in Latin to mean 'seed' or 'origin' in a metaphorical sense, such as the 'seed' of a dispute.
- The related Latin word germen is the root of the English word 'germinate', which describes the process of a seed starting to grow.
Examples in context
- Embryo est parvus et fragilis.The embryo is small and fragile.
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a biological specimen in a lab.
- LuciaVide, Luci, embryo hic est.Look, Lucius, here is the embryo.
- LuciusIta, embryo valde parvus videtur.Yes, the embryo seems very small.
- LuciaNum embryo in ovo manet?Does the embryo stay in the egg?
- LuciusIta, embryo ibi crescit.Yes, the embryo grows there.
