What does "gemma" mean?
An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.
Gemma
/ˈd͡ʒɛmə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.
- Grammar: gemma is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bud, burgeon, gem, jewel.
- Useful contrasts: seed, spore, stone.
- Usage evidence: I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae.
How to use "gemma"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gemma" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gemma" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gemma" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gemma" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gemma" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bud" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gemma", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.
"I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae."
- 2 small asexual reproductive structure in e.g. liverworts and mosses that detaches from the parent and develops into a new individual wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name from Italian.
"Gemma. A curious name. He didn't think he had ever come across it before. She would have an outlandish name, either because her equally eccentric parents had labelled her with it or—more likely—she had adopted it herself on the grounds of originality."
- 2 A bright binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis; Alpha (α) Coronae Borealis.
Example
"I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gemma"?
Common synonyms include: bud, burgeon, gem, jewel, propagule.
How do you use "gemma" in a sentence?
I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae.
How do you pronounce "gemma"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒɛmə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Learned borrowing from Latin gemma (“bud on a plant”). Doublet of gem and Gemma.
Etymology 2
Ultimately from Latin gemma (“jewel”). The given name is mostly borrowed via Italian Gemma; the spelling Jemma in particular is associated with James. Doublet of gemma and gem.