noun
Uncommon
embryo
EHMB-ree-oh
Embryo (noun) means an organism in the earliest stage of development, before it is recognizably formed — in humans, roughly the first eight weeks after conception. Example: “The scan showed the embryo's heartbeat for the first time.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- embryos, embryones
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scan showed the _____'s heartbeat for the first time.
Etymology
From Greek embryon, literally "that which grows within," from en- ("in") plus bryein ("to swell, grow").
Synonyms
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conceptus
fertilized egg
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for embryo
See all rhymes for embryo →Frequently asked questions
What does “embryo” mean?
The word “embryo” means an organism in the earliest stage of development, before it is recognizably formed — in humans, roughly the first eight weeks after conception. In plain terms, the earliest stage of a developing living thing — or, more loosely, the very first stage of an idea or plan.
How do you pronounce “embryo”?
“Embryo” is pronounced EHMB-ree-oh (/ˈɛmbɹi.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “embryo” in a sentence?
Here is “embryo” used in a sentence: “The scan showed the embryo's heartbeat for the first time.”
What part of speech is “embryo”?
“Embryo” is a noun.
Where does the word “embryo” come from?
The word “embryo” comes from Greek. From Greek embryon, literally "that which grows within," from en- ("in") plus bryein ("to swell, grow").
Is “embryo” a common word?
“Embryo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “embryo” have?
“Embryo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organism in the earliest stage of development, before it is recognizably formed — in humans, roughly the first eight weeks after conception.
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