primordium

[ prahy-mawr-dee-uhm ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural pri·mor·di·a [prahy-, mawr, -dee-, uh].

1. the first recognizable, histologically differentiated stage in the development of an organ.

primordium

/ praɪˈmɔːdɪəm /

noun

1. biology an organ or part in the earliest stage of development

Word History and Origins

Origin of primordium¹

1665–75; < Latin prīmōrdium, in plural: beginnings, elementary stage, equivalent to prīm ( us ) first ( prime ) + ōrd ( īrī ) to begin + -ium -ium; exordium

Example Sentences

According to the author, anlage may be variously rendered as rudiment, inception or primordium.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commencement