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.
The increase was found in certain types of cancer including leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, hepatic tumors, and gonadal germ cell tumors, according to the study. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025 The company's Avian Genomics Group is close to achieving primordial germ cells in pigeons, which would allow genetic testing of dodo characteristics in pigeons – similar to the mouse-mammoth experiments. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 Even at conception, however, there are many potential genetic complications that mean an individual will never develop germ cells or may develop germ cells that are inconsistent with other aspects of their biology. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025 These include Sertoli cells and germ cells that produce sperm and Leydig cells that produce testosterone. Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Germ cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ%20cell. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!