embryogenesis
|em-bry-o-gen-e-sis|
🇺🇸
/ˌɛm.bri.oʊˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˌɛm.bri.əʊˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs/
formation of an embryo
Etymology
'embryogenesis' originates from Greek, specifically from 'embryon' and 'genesis', where 'embryon' meant 'young one' or 'embryo' and 'genesis' meant 'origin' or 'formation'.
'embryogenesis' entered English via Neo-Latin/modern scientific coinage combining 'embryo' + 'genesis'; the Greek roots 'embryon' and 'genesis' underlie the modern term.
Initially it referred to the origin or formation of the young organism; over time it has come to denote the specific biological process of embryo formation and early development.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the formation and development of an embryo from the fertilized egg (zygote).
Embryogenesis begins soon after fertilization and involves cell division, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/13 05:59