embryo
UK: ˈɛmbrɪəʊ | US: ˈɛmbriˌoʊ
n. an early stage of development in multicellular organisms, especially before birth or germination
n. (figuratively) a rudimentary or undeveloped form of something
The word "embryo" traces back to Greek embryon ("a young one"), derived from en- ("in") + bryein ("to swell, grow"). It originally described the early growth stage of a plant or animal within a protective environment (e.g., a seed or womb). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any nascent or undeveloped entity. The morphemes reflect the literal idea of something growing within a confined space.
The human embryo develops rapidly during the first trimester.
Scientists studied the plant embryo to understand germination.
Her idea was still in its embryo stage, needing refinement.
The project is the embryo of a much larger initiative.
Ethical debates surround research on animal embryos.