gemmule

noun

gem·​mule ˈjem-(ˌ)yül 

: a small bud:

a

: a theoretical particle proposed in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring)

b

: a reproductive bud produced by freshwater and some marine sponges that consists of a usually hardened aggregate of cells

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin gemmula, diminutive of gemma

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gemmule

noun

gem·​mule ˈjem-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

1

: a theoretical particle in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring)

2

: a minute thorny process of a nerve-cell dendrite