anlage

noun

an·​la·​ge ˈän-ˌlä-gə 

plural anlagen ˈän-ˌlä-gən  also anlages ˈän-ˌlä-gəz 

: the foundation of a subsequent development

especially : primordium

Word History

Etymology

German, literally, act of laying on

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anlage

noun

an·​la·​ge ˈän-ˌläg-ə 

plural anlagen -ən  also anlages -əz 

: the foundation of a subsequent development

especially : primordium