germination
/,dʤə:mi'neiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The process by which a seed or spore begins to grow and develop into a new plant: This is the primary biological meaning, referring to the initial stage of plant growth when a seed sprouts.
- The beginning or origin of something; the initial stage of development: This figurative meaning describes the start or emergence of an idea, plan, feeling, or movement.
Usage and Examples
Biological Process:
- The germination of these seeds requires warm soil and moisture.
- Farmers monitor conditions like temperature and humidity to ensure successful germination.
Figurative Origin/Development:
- The book explores the germination of the scientific revolution in the 16th century.
- The germination of her interest in law began when she was a teenager.
Advanced Usage
- "To be in germination": To be in the very early stages of development.
- The project is still in germination; we haven't finalized any details yet.
Variants and Related Words
- Germinate (verb): To begin to grow or develop.
- Seeds germinate in the spring. (Biological)
- The idea germinated during our long conversation. (Figurative)
- Germinative (adjective): Having the ability to germinate or originate growth.
- The germinative power of the seeds was high.
Synonyms
- Sprouting: The process of a plant beginning to grow (close synonym for the biological sense).
- Inception: The establishment or starting point of something (close synonym for the figurative sense).
- Genesis: The origin or mode of formation of something.
Antonyms
- Dormancy: A state of temporary inactivity or rest (opposite of the biological growth process).
- Termination: The end of something (opposite of the beginning/origin sense).
Noun
- the origin of some development
- the germination of their discontent
- the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow