primordium

[ prahy-mawr-dee-uhm ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural pri·mor·di·a [prahy-, mawr, -dee-, uh].

1. the first recognizable, histologically differentiated stage in the development of an organ.

primordium

/ praɪˈmɔːdɪəm /

noun

1. biology an organ or part in the earliest stage of development

Word History and Origins

Origin of primordium¹

1665–75; < Latin prīmōrdium, in plural: beginnings, elementary stage, equivalent to prīm ( us ) first ( prime ) + ōrd ( īrī ) to begin + -ium -ium; exordium

Example Sentences

These embryonic pluripotent cells within the facial primordium -- the early development form -- may be necessary for forming proper facial structures.

From Science Daily

Published online December 13 in Current Biology, the new work reveals how the cells in the primordium use a protein called RhoA to trigger forces that move the group into place in the developing embryo.

From Science Daily

For example, if Fog levels were lower than normal, would this unmask the ability of cells in the primordium region to internalize by the mechanism associated with the propagation region?

From Nature

At around five weeks, a group of cells clump together to form the bipotential primordium.

From Scientific American

Bach was able to do this, and what emerged in the current were primordia in music.

From Literature

Related Words

• commencement