Embryo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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embryo
[ˈɛmbrɪəʊ ]
Definitions
biology
An embryo is an unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The embryo begins to develop in the early stages of pregnancy.
- The scientist studied the embryo under a microscope.
embryology
In embryology, an embryo is the early stage of development of a multicellular organism.
Synonyms
fertilized egg, zygote.
Examples of usage
- Embryos of different species share similarities in their early development stages.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- During the embryonic stage, vital organs and basic structures are formed, typically occurring in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.
- Embryonic stem cells, derived from early embryos, hold the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body, making them crucial for medical research.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, the concept of life at the embryonic stage carries deep philosophical and ethical implications regarding when life begins.
- Art and literature often explore themes of embryonic development as a metaphor for potential and growth.
Pop Culture
- Films and literature sometimes depict the embryo stage in dramatic ways to highlight the miracle of life, reflecting societal views on pregnancy.
- In video games and science fiction, embryos are sometimes used as plot devices to explore themes of cloning and genetic engineering.
Ethics
- Debates around embryos often focus on reproductive rights and the ethical treatment of embryos in scientific research.
- Many religious and philosophical traditions have different views on the moral status of embryos, influencing laws and ethical guidelines.
Origin of 'embryo'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'embryo' comes from the Greek word 'embryon,' which means 'a developing thing.'
- In the 16th century, the word began to be used in English to refer specifically to unborn babies.
The word 'embryo' has its origins in the Greek word 'embruon', which means 'young one'. It has been used in the field of biology and embryology to refer to the early stages of development of an organism. The study of embryos has been crucial in understanding the processes of growth and differentiation in living organisms.