noun
embryo
EHMB-ree-oh
noun
1
An organism in the earliest stage of development, before it is recognizably formed — in humans, roughly the first eight weeks after conception.
"The scan showed the embryo's heartbeat for the first time."
"Scientists study how the embryo's cells begin to specialize."
2
The very earliest stage of a plan, project, or idea, before it has properly developed.
"The proposal was still an embryo of an idea when it leaked to the press."
How to Use Embryo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe earliest stage of a developing living thing — or, more loosely, the very first stage of an idea or plan.
Common pairings
a developing embryo
in embryo
embryo research
Word Forms
embryos plural, embryones plural
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Etymology
From Greek embryon, literally "that which grows within," from en- ("in") plus bryein ("to swell, grow").