English Dictionary
Definition of “germinate”
germinate (ˈdʒɜːmɪˌneɪt
)
Definitions
verb
- to cause (seeds or spores) to sprout or (of seeds or spores) to sprout or form new tissue following increased metabolism
- to grow or cause to grow; develop
- to come or bring into existence; originate ⇒
the idea germinated with me
Alternative Forms
ˈgerminable ˈgerminative adjective ˌgermiˈnation noun ˈgermiˌnator noun Word Origin
C17: from Latin germināre to sprout; see germ
Usage examples
Although these things germinate in playgrounds, they often originate in marketing departments.
Scarlett Thomas, POPCO (2004)Occasionally they forget where they have stashed the nuts and the seeds can germinate and grow into new trees.
New Scientist (2003)A large bean that is placed on the surface of the soil and then left to germinate is how this extraordinary plant is propagated.
Edmonton Sun (2003)Scattered seed will find it difficult to germinate with the competition from the roots of your existing grass.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The seeds should germinate about seven days from the start, but it depends very much on the temperature.
Kitto, Dick, Planning the Organic Vegetable Garden (1986)
