Young plants that have recently germinated from seeds and are in their early stage of growth, typically having only the first leaves.
From 'seed' (Old English 'sed') plus the diminutive suffix '-ling' indicating something small or young. The term emerged in the 17th century as agriculture and horticulture became more systematic.
Seedlings are incredibly vulnerable yet remarkably determined - they can push through concrete with a force of up to 200 pounds per square inch. The first leaves (cotyledons) are actually part of the original seed and contain stored energy, making them different from all the 'true' leaves that grow afterward.
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