gemmation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low Frequency / TechnicalScientific / Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “gemmation” mean?
The process of asexual reproduction in which a new individual develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent organism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of asexual reproduction in which a new individual develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent organism.
A formation resembling a bud; a mode of growth akin to budding. In a broader figurative sense, it can refer to any process of development or production that resembles budding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, precise, biological.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of biological texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gemmation” in a Sentence
The [organism] reproduces by gemmation.[Noun] underwent gemmation.Gemmation in [species] is common.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gemmation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hydra will gemmate under these conditions.
- This species gemmates prolifically in summer.
American English
- The yeast cells gemmate rapidly.
- The coral is gemmating along its branches.
adverb
British English
- The colony reproduced gemmately.
- The cells divided gemmately rather than fissionably.
American English
- It grew gemmately from the parent stock.
adjective
British English
- The gemmational process was documented.
- They studied the gemmative phase.
American English
- The gemmation cycle is complete.
- Gemmate structures were visible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised biology texts, particularly in botany, zoology, and microbiology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in biological sciences describing a specific reproductive method.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gemmation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gemmation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gemmation”
- Mispronouncing as 'gem-in-ation' /ˈdʒɛmɪneɪʃən/.
- Confusing with 'gemination' (doubling of a consonant sound).
- Using in non-biological contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in biological contexts, 'gemmation' is a precise synonym for 'budding', the asexual reproductive process.
It is highly unusual and would likely confuse a general audience. Its use is almost exclusively confined to technical biological writing.
The verb is 'to gemmate'. Example: 'The yeast cells gemmate.'
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialist term. Most native speakers would not know it unless they have a background in biology.
The process of asexual reproduction in which a new individual develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent organism.
Gemmation is usually scientific / formal / technical in register.
Gemmation: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɛˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɛˈmeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GEM growing from a stone: in GEMMATION, a new organism grows like a bud (a 'gem') from the parent.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS BUDDING; GROWTH IS BUD FORMATION.
Practice
Quiz
Gemmation is most closely associated with which biological process?