1. A small gemstone or bud-like reproductive body in certain plants and animals.
Usage: biology; also called a gemma
2. In botany, a small asexual reproductive structure that detaches and develops into a new organism.
Usage: botanical term

Examples

• The liverwort reproduces through gemmules that break off and grow into new plants.
• Gemmules are an efficient form of asexual reproduction in many aquatic organisms.
• Under the microscope, the biologist observed tiny gemmules budding from the parent organism.
• Some sponges produce gemmules to survive harsh winter conditions.
• The gemmule eventually develops into a fully formed individual.