embryo
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.”
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.
Word forms
embryos plural, embryones plural
Fill the gap
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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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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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