embryo

EM'BRYO EM'BRYON, noun [Latin embryon; Gr. to shoot, bud, germinate. The Greek word is contracted, and if so, it coincides in elements with Eng. brood and breed.] In physiology, the first rudiments of an animal in the womb, before the several members are distinctly formed; after which it is called a fetus. 1. The rudiments of a plant. 2. The beginning or first state of any thing not fit for production; the rudiments of any thing yet imperfectly formed. The company little suspected what a noble work I had then in embryo EM'BRYO EM'BRYON, adjective Pertaining to or noting any thing in its first rudiments or unfinished state; as an embryon bud.