embryo
word
Definition
An embryo is a living being in its earliest stage of development, before it becomes a fetus. It is commonly used to refer to early stages in humans, animals, or plants.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and scientific; mostly used in biology and medicine. Refers to development before the term 'fetus' is used (in humans, usually up to 8 weeks). Can be used metaphorically for an idea or project at an early stage ('the embryo of a plan').
Example Sentences
A human embryo grows inside the mother's womb.
basic
The scientist studied the frog embryo under a microscope.
basic
A plant embryo starts to grow when the seed gets water.
basic
The doctors checked the health of the embryo during an ultrasound.
natural
At this stage, the embryo is barely visible to the naked eye.
natural
The idea was still just an embryo when the company first discussed it.
natural