gemmule

American  

[jem-yool] / ˈdʒɛm yul /

noun

1. Botany. gemma.

2. Zoology. an asexually produced mass of cells that is capable of developing into an animal, as a freshwater sponge.

3. Evolution. one of the hypothetical living units conceived by Darwin in the theory of pangenesis as the bearers of the hereditary attributes.

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gemmule British  

/ ˈdʒɛmjuːl /

noun

1. zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud

2. botany a small gemma

3. a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis

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gemmule Scientific  

/ jĕm′yo̅o̅l /

1. A small gemma or similar structure, especially a reproductive structure in some sponges that remains dormant through the winter and later develops into a new individual.

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Etymology

Origin of gemmule

1835–45; < French < Latin gemmula. See gemma, -ule

Example Sentences

In 1883, with rather grim determination, the German embryologist August Weismann had performed an experiment that directly attacked Darwin's gemmule theory of heredity.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Each gemmule contained in a cage of skeleton-spicules, by the pressure of which it is frequently distorted. 8a.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

This species appears to be related to T. pennsylvanica, from which it differs mainly in the form of its gemmule-spicules and the structure of its gemmule.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

In some of the gemmules before me this coat measures in thickness about 1/9 of the total diameter of the gemmule.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

No foraminal tubule; its place sometimes taken by an open, bowl-shaped chitinous structure the base of which is in continuity with the inner chitinous coat of the gemmule.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson