Seed: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to the small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant can grow. Common in everyday language and gardening.

• I planted a pumpkin seed in my garden.
• The farmer bought a bag of sunflower seeds.

Usually refers to the inner part of a seed or nut that is typically edible, or the central or most important part of something.

• She cracked open the walnut to get to the kernel.
• The kernel of the argument is about fairness.

Commonly used in British English to refer to the small seeds inside fruits like apples or oranges.

• Watch out for the pips when you're eating the apple.
• She removed the pips from the orange before eating it.

Used in biology and botany to refer to a reproductive cell capable of developing into a new individual without fusion with another cell, often found in fungi, mosses, and ferns.

• Fungi reproduce by releasing spores into the air.
• The moss spreads through its spores.

A more scientific term, often used in botany or biology to refer to the structure in seed plants that develops into a seed after fertilization.

• The ovule is an essential part of plant reproduction.
• During the experiment, we observed the development of the ovule.

Used when referring to the initial stage of growth or development in a biological or metaphorical sense.

• Plant the seed in fertile soil for the best results.
• The small company was the seed of what later became a multinational corporation.

Used to describe the source or beginning point of something, especially when tracing back historically or scientifically.

• The origin of the Nile River has been a subject of study for centuries.
• Understanding the origin of a custom can give insight into a culture.

Refers to where something comes from, often used in information gathering, supply chains, or natural phenomena.

• You should always verify the source of your information.
• The river's source is high up in the mountains.

Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate the beginning of an action, journey, or process.

• Let's start the meeting at 9 AM.
• The race will start in ten minutes.

Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe the beginning or creation of something significant.

• The genesis of the universe is a mystery that scientists continue to explore.
• This novel explores the genesis of human consciousness.

Repeated entry.

Often used to describe someone's standing in a hierarchy, such as in the military or corporate world. It has a formal and sometimes competitive connotation.

• She achieved the rank of captain in the army.
• His rank in the company was senior vice president.

Refers to a location or a spot. It can also mean a role or situation someone is in.

• We found a nice place to have a picnic.
• She felt out of place at the party.

Typically used to describe someone's rank, status, or job role. It can also refer to the location of an object in a more specific manner.

• He applied for the manager position.
• The books were returned to their original position on the shelf.