gem·mule

(jĕm′yo͞ol)

1. A small gemma or similar structure, especially a reproductive structure in certain sponges that remains dormant for some time and later develops into a new individual.

2. A hypothetical particle in the theory of pangenesis, postulated to be produced by cells and to be responsible for transmitting traits from parent to offspring.

[French, from Latin gemmula, diminutive of gemma, bud; see gembh- in Indo-European roots.]

gem′mu·lif′er·ous (jĕm′yo͞o-lĭf′ər-əs) adj.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

gemmule

(ˈdʒɛmjuːl)

1. (Zoology) zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud

2. (Botany) botany a small gemma

3. (Biology) a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis

[C19: from French, from Latin gemmula a little bud; see gem]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

gem•mule

(ˈdʒɛm yul)

n.

1. a small gemma.

2. any asexually produced clusterof cells capable of developing into a new individual.

[1835–45; < French < Latin gemmula. See gemma, -ule]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

gemmule - the physically discrete element that Darwin proposed as responsible for heredity

hypothesis, theory, possibility - a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"; "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices"