gemma

[ jem-uh ]

/ ˈdʒɛm ə /

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noun, plural gem·mae

[jem-ee]. /ˈdʒɛm i/.

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.

Zoology. gemmule (def. 2).

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Origin of gemma

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gemma in a sentence

The gemmae formed on submerged Mucors may bud like a yeast, and even bring about alcoholic fermentation in a saccharine solution.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3|Various
Erect branches may arise from the protonema, and gemmae may be developed on it.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
In Aneura the contents of superficial cells, after becoming surrounded by a new wall and dividing, escape as bi-cellular gemmae.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
Apart from the separation of branches by the decay of older portions, special gemmae are found in many species.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various

Usually the gemmae arise by the outgrowth of superficial cells, and become free by breaking away from their stalk.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for gemma

gemma

/ (ˈdʒɛmə) /

noun plural -mae (-miː)

a small asexual reproductive structure in liverworts, mosses, etc, that becomes detached from the parent and develops into a new individual

zoology another name for gemmule (def. 1)

Derived forms of gemma

gemmaceous (dʒɛˈmeɪʃəs), adjective

Word Origin for gemma

C18: from Latin: bud, gem

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for gemma

gemma

[ jĕm′ə ]

Plural gemmae (jĕm′ē′)

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.