gemma

[ jem-uh ]

noun

, plural gem·mae [jem, -ee].

1. a bud.
2. Botany. a cell or cluster of cells, or a leaflike or budlike body, that separates from the parent plant to form a new organism, as in mosses and liverworts.
3. Zoology. gemmule ( def 2 ).

gemma

/ dʒɛˈmeɪʃəs; ˈdʒɛmə /

noun

1. a small asexual reproductive structure in liverworts, mosses, etc, that becomes detached from the parent and develops into a new individual
2. zoology another name for gemmule

gemma

/ jĕm′ə /

, Plural gemmae jĕm′ē′

1. A budlike mass of undifferentiated tissue which serves as a means of vegetative reproduction among mosses and liverworts. The gemmae, often formed in structures called gemma cups, are usually dispersed from the parent plant by the splashing of raindrops, after which they develop into new individuals.

Derived Forms

• gemmaceous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gemma¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from Latin: “bud, jewel”; gem

Word History and Origins

Origin of gemma¹

C18: from Latin: bud, gem

Example Sentences

"To do so we made use of two systems: gemmae of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, and the early-stage first true leaf of Arabidopsis thaliana."

From Science Daily

The gemmae formed on submerged Mucors may bud like a yeast, and even bring about alcoholic fermentation in a saccharine solution.

From Project Gutenberg

Gem, or Gemmule, from the Latin gemma, a bud.

From Project Gutenberg

We have in plastic art only two pictorial reproductions: the so-called Vienna gemma, Augustus's Pannonian triumph, and the Parisian gemma, Germanicus's triumph, to show us objectively the vestments of the ancient Germans.

From Project Gutenberg

The frond grows from a flat disc-shaped gemma, the two sides of which are alike.

From Project Gutenberg