An early stage of development in animals or plants, before they are fully formed. In humans, it refers to the developing baby in the womb during the first weeks after fertilization.
From Greek 'émbruon' meaning 'young one, fetus,' from 'en' (in) + 'bruiein' (to swell, grow). Latin took it as 'embryon,' then English borrowed it through scientific use. The word emphasizes growth inside something.
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