gemmule

American  

[jem-yool] / ˈdʒɛm yul /

noun

1. Botany. gemma.

2. Zoology. an asexually produced mass of cells that is capable of developing into an animal, as a freshwater sponge.

3. Evolution. one of the hypothetical living units conceived by Darwin in the theory of pangenesis as the bearers of the hereditary attributes.

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gemmule British  

/ ˈdʒɛmjuːl /

noun

1. zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud

2. botany a small gemma

3. a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis

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gemmule Scientific  

/ jĕm′yo̅o̅l /

1. A small gemma or similar structure, especially a reproductive structure in some sponges that remains dormant through the winter and later develops into a new individual.

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Etymology

Origin of gemmule

1835–45; < French < Latin gemmula. See gemma, -ule

Example Sentences

In 1883, with rather grim determination, the German embryologist August Weismann had performed an experiment that directly attacked Darwin's gemmule theory of heredity.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The outer coat forms a kind of mantle by means of the skirts of which the gemmule is fastened to the support of the sponge.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Each gemmule contained in a cage of skeleton-spicules, by the pressure of which it is frequently distorted. 8a.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

The assumed elective affinity of each gemmule for that particular cell which precedes it in the order of development is supported by many analogies.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2) by Darwin, Charles

S. lacustris is an extremely variable species, varying in the size, proportions and shape of its spicules, in its external form and in the size and structure of the gemmule.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson