Germinate
/ˈdʒɜːrmɪneɪt/noun
To begin to grow or develop, especially from a seed.
Did you know?The term 'germinate' comes from the Latin word 'germen', which also relates to the idea of 'sprouting', connecting it to the life force of nature and renewal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰer-
“to grasp or enclose, relating to growth and sprouting.”
Latin
Latin
germen
“a bud, seed, or sprout, symbolizing new life.”
Late Latin
Latin
germinare
“to sprout or grow.”
Middle English
Middle English
germynate
“to cause to sprout or grow.”
Modern English
English
germinate
“to develop from a seed into a plant.”
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