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

D. Microscleres of the gemmule without a trace of rotules, those of the parenchyma birotulate Corvospongilla, nov., p.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Each gemmule is covered with a thick chitinous membrane in close contact with its wall and surrounding it completely.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

A. Microscleres of the parenchyma similar in general structure to those or the gemmule; the latter without comb-like vertical rows of spines at the ends Spongilla, p.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Evans, R., "A description of Ephydatia blembingia, with an account of the formation and structure of the gemmule," Q. J. Micr.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson