First Known Use: 1610
Dictionary
germinate
verb ger·mi·nate \ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt\
of a seed : to begin to grow
: to cause (a seed) to begin to grow
ger·mi·nat·edger·mi·nat·ing
Full Definition of GERMINATE
transitive verb
: to cause to sprout or develop
intransitive verb
1
: to come into being : evolve <before Western civilization began to germinate — A. L. Kroeber>
2
: to begin to grow : sprout
— ger·mi·na·tion \ˌjər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ noun
— ger·mi·na·tive \ˈjər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -mə-nə-\ adjective
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Origin of GERMINATE
Latin germinatus, past participle of germinare to sprout, from germin-, germen bud, germ
Rhymes with GERMINATE
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GERMINATED Defined for Kids
germinate
verb ger·mi·nate \ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt\
ger·mi·nat·edger·mi·nat·ing
Definition of GERMINATE for Kids
: to begin to grow : sprout <She patiently waited for the seeds to germinate.>
Medical Dictionary
germinate
verb ger·mi·nate \ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt\
ger·mi·nat·edger·mi·nat·ing
Medical Definition of GERMINATE
transitive verb
: to cause to sprout or develop
intransitive verb
: to begin to grow : sprout
—ger·mi·na·tion \ˌjər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ noun
Learn More About GERMINATE
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