germ cell

noun

, Biology.

1. the sexual reproductive cell at any stage from the primordial cell to the mature gamete.

germ cell

noun

1. a sexual reproductive cell; gamete Compare somatic cell

germ cell

1. One of the diploid cells in the reproductive organs of a multicellular organism that undergo division and are the precursors of haploid gametes, such as a spermatogonium or oogonium.
2. See gamete

Word History and Origins

Origin of germ cell¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The line of descent or inheritance, therefore, is from germ-cell to germ-cell, and not from parents.

From Project Gutenberg

Such unused products of the germ-cell are also supposed to become located in the generative products.

From Project Gutenberg

The vesicles were obviously cells which had arisen within the original germ-cell or ovum.

From Project Gutenberg

And the germ-cell may devour any amount of egg-protoplasma without losing its original paternal energy.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, the function of this mesothelium apart from the germ-cell is essentially excretory and phagocytic.

From Project Gutenberg