Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
embrasure
embrittle
embrocate
embrocation
embroider
embroidery
embroil
embrue
embryo
embryo sac
embryo transfer
embryogenesis
embryology
embryonic
embryonic membrane
embryotic
embryotoxon
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "embryo" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

embryo

em·bry·o [ émbree  ] (plural em·bry·os)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. human offspring in initial developmental stage: a human offspring in the early stages following conception up to the end of the eighth week, after which it is classified as a fetus

2. animal in initial developmental stage: the developing young of an animal from the earliest stages after conception up to birth or hatching

3. plant in initial developmental stage: a plant in its earliest stages of development. In seed-bearing plants, the embryo is contained within the seed.

4. early form of something: an early form or rudimentary stage of something
the embryo of an exciting new invention

[14th century. Via Latin< Greek embruon< bruein "swell, grow"]
Advertisement

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Also on MSN
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
MSN Shopping
Encarta RSS Feeds
© 2008 Microsoft