germ cell

noun

: a gamete (such as an egg or sperm cell) or one of its antecedent cells

Examples of germ cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the dodo, the researchers will first harvest primordial germ cells (PGCs)—nascent cells that give rise to eggs and sperm—from the nicobar pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 Each germ cell would be activated in turn to produce a new organism. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Scientists at Colossal have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 Scientists at the company have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ cell

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of germ cell was in 1868

Rhymes for germ cell

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Browse Nearby Words

germ band
germ cell
germ disc
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Cite this Entry

“Germ cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ%20cell. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

germ cell

noun
: an egg or sperm cell or one of the cells from which they arise

Medical Definition

germ cell

noun
: an egg or sperm cell or one of their antecedent cells

More from Merriam-Webster on germ cell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about germ cell

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