in embryo

1 definition found

in embryo - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Embryo \Em"bry*o\, n.; pl. Embryos. [F. embryon, Gr.
     'e`mbryon, perh. fr. ? in (akin to L. ? E. in) + ? to be full
     of, swell with; perh. akin to E. brew.] (Biol.)
     The first rudiments of an organism, whether animal or plant;
     as:
     (a) The young of an animal in the womb, or more specifically,
         before its parts are developed and it becomes a fetus
         (see Fetus).
     (b) The germ of the plant, which is inclosed in the seed and
         which is developed by germination.
         [1913 Webster]
  
     In embryo, in an incipient or undeveloped state; in
        conception, but not yet executed. "The company little
        suspected what a noble work I had then in embryo."
        --Swift.
        [1913 Webster]