Synonyms for

Embryo

Verb / ˈembri:ˌəʊ / Another word for embryo — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

an organism in its early stage of development, before it is born or hatched

Synonyms & similar words

fertilizedegg conceptus fetus germ seed incipient beginning rudiment embryonic nascent potential incipient prototype zygote ovum blastula morula gastrula blastocyst foetus incubus

Synonyms by register

Formal

zygote fetus germ primordium

Literary

seed bud germinal

Antonyms

adult mature developed fully-formed complete grown

Common collocations

  • early embryo
  • human embryo
  • embryo development
  • embryo transfer
  • embryo sac
  • embryo stage
  • embryo research

Word family

noun embryo
adjective embryonic

Usage note

While 'fetus' is often used interchangeably with 'embryo' in casual conversation, in biological and medical contexts, 'embryo' typically refers to the earliest stage of development (up to about 8 weeks in humans), after which it is called a 'fetus'.

Example sentences

  1. The embryo of a bird is enclosed in an egg.
  2. The doctor said that the embryo was growing normally.
  3. The frog embryo develops into a tadpole.
  4. The embryo of a human is called a fetus after eight weeks.
  5. The embryo of a plant develops into a seedling.

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