ENGLISH
REFERENCE

embryonic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɛmbɹiˈɑnɪk// UK //ˌɛmbɹɪˈɒnɪk// em·bry·on·ic

adj. describing something that is in its very early stages and still developing. You use this to talk about a project or idea that has just started.

adj. relating to an embryo; in an early, undeveloped stage of existence or growth. Often used figuratively to describe nascent systems, ideas, or organizations.


SIMPLE

The company is still in its embryonic stage.

CONTEXTUAL

The plan for the new city park is currently in an embryonic form, with only a few rough sketches completed.

COMPLEX

While the technology showed promise in its embryonic phase, it required decades of refinement before it could be deployed safely in a commercial environment.

Synonyms
Origin

From New Latin embryonicus.

Usage

Often appears in the fixed phrase 'in its embryonic stage' or 'embryonic form'.

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