Word
gemma
Phoneticsgem·ma
US/ˈdʒɛmə/
UK/dʒˈɛmɐ/
Definition
n. a small part of a plant or fungus that can break off and grow into a whole new organism. It is a way for some living things to reproduce without seeds.
n. a small cellular body or bud-like structure that detaches from a parent organism to grow into a new individual. This form of asexual reproduction is characteristic of certain fungi, algae, and bryophytes like liverworts.
Examples
“The liverwort uses a gemma to grow new plants.”
“Raindrops hitting the cup-like structures splash the gemma out, allowing it to land nearby and start a new colony.”
“In many species of liverworts, the gemma serves as a primary means of vegetative propagation, ensuring genetic continuity across a specific habitat without the need for sexual spores.”
Examples
simple
“The liverwort uses a gemma to grow new plants.”
contextual
“Raindrops hitting the cup-like structures splash the gemma out, allowing it to land nearby and start a new colony.”
complex
“In many species of liverworts, the gemma serves as a primary means of vegetative propagation, ensuring genetic continuity across a specific habitat without the need for sexual spores.”
Usage
The plural form is 'gemmae'.
Etymology
Ultimately from Latin gemma (“jewel”). The given name is mostly borrowed via Italian Gemma; the spelling Jemma in particular is associated with James. Doublet of gemma and gem.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/gemma