embryo
An embryo is the very early stage of a living thing before it is born or hatched. It can also describe a new idea or project that is just starting to grow.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor showed them a picture of the small embryo.
The doctor showed them a picture of the small embryo.
The research focuses on the health of the human embryo.
The research focuses on the health of the human embryo.
Our travel plan is still just an embryo, so nothing is fixed.
Our travel plan is still just an embryo, so nothing is fixed.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that the letter 'E' stands for 'Early'—an embryo is the Early stage of life.
Quick Quiz
The scientist looked at the ______ through a microscope to see how it was growing.
Correct!
The correct answer is: embryo
Examples
The doctor showed them a picture of the small embryo.
everydayThe doctor showed them a picture of the small embryo.
The research focuses on the health of the human embryo.
formalThe research focuses on the health of the human embryo.
Our travel plan is still just an embryo, so nothing is fixed.
informalOur travel plan is still just an embryo, so nothing is fixed.
Cell division begins immediately after the embryo is formed.
academicCell division begins immediately after the embryo is formed.
The new startup is currently in its embryo stage.
businessThe new startup is currently in its embryo stage.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in embryo
in the early stages of development
embryo research
scientific study of embryos
from embryo to adult
from the very beginning to full growth
Often Confused With
An embryo is the very early stage (up to 8 weeks in humans), while a fetus is the later stage of development.
An ovum is an unfertilized egg cell, whereas an embryo is a fertilized egg that has started to grow.
Usage Notes
Use this word when talking about the very first stages of life in science, or metaphorically to describe an idea that is not yet fully formed.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the plural as 'embryoes' instead of the correct 'embryos'.
Memory Tip
Remember that the letter 'E' stands for 'Early'—an embryo is the Early stage of life.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek word 'embruon', which means 'to swell' or 'to grow inside'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The use of embryos in scientific research is a major topic of ethical debate in many Western cultures.
Quick Quiz
The scientist looked at the ______ through a microscope to see how it was growing.
Correct!
The correct answer is: embryo
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