Embryo

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɛm.bri.oʊ/

Definitions

• An early stage of development in multicellular organisms, typically before birth or hatching.
• In humans and mammals, the developing organism from fertilization until roughly the eighth week of gestation.
• A concept or plan in its initial or undeveloped stage.

Usage Examples

• The scientist observed the growth of the embryo under a microscope.
• The company's expansion plan was still in its embryo stage.

Etymology

From Latin "embryon," derived from Ancient Greek "ἔμβρυον" (émbruon), meaning "young one" or "fetus."

Synonyms

• Fetus (in later development)
• Germ
• Seed
• Beginnings

Antonyms

• Adult
• Maturity
• Full development

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "embryo" is pronounced /ˈɛm.bri.oʊ/, while in British English, it is pronounced /ˈɛmb.ri.əʊ/.

Historical Usage

The concept of an "embryo" has existed in medical and philosophical texts since ancient times, with Aristotle discussing early theories of embryonic development.

Cultural Nuances

The term "embryo" is often used metaphorically to refer to ideas or projects in their formative stages. Additionally, discussions around embryonic research, stem cells, and bioethics make it a topic of cultural and scientific significance.

More Information

Embryology, the study of embryos, plays a crucial role in medicine, biology, and genetics. Advances in in-vitro fertilization and stem cell research have expanded the scientific and ethical debates surrounding human embryos.