primordium

[prahy-mawr-dee-uhm]

noun

Embryology.

plural

primordia 

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

These embryonic pluripotent cells within the facial primordium -- the early development form -- may be necessary for forming proper facial structures.

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Published online December 13 in Current Biology, the new work reveals how the cells in the primordium use a protein called RhoA to trigger forces that move the group into place in the developing embryo.

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For example, if Fog levels were lower than normal, would this unmask the ability of cells in the primordium region to internalize by the mechanism associated with the propagation region?

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At around five weeks, a group of cells clump together to form the bipotential primordium.

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Bach was able to do this, and what emerged in the current were primordia in music.

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Related Words

• commencement