First Known Use: circa 1828
Dictionary
gemmule
noun gem·mule \ˈjem-(ˌ)yül\
Definition of GEMMULE
: a small bud: a : a theoretical particle proposed in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring) b : a reproductive bud produced by freshwater and some marine sponges that consists of a usually hardened aggregate of cells
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Origin of GEMMULE
French, from Latin gemmula, diminutive of gemma
Medical Dictionary
gemmule
noun gem·mule \ˈjem-(ˌ)yü(ə)l\
Medical Definition of GEMMULE
1
: a theoretical particle in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring)
2
: a minute thorny process of a nerve-cell dendrite
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