Gemma

Definitions

1. A female given name from Italian.
2. An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.
3. A bright binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis; Alpha (α) Coronae Borealis.

Equivalents

Examples

“I know⟳ of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae.”

“Gemmae are frequently longer than wide or of irregular shape⟳. According to Degenkolbe, gemmae-bearing leaves are always different in form⟳ from normal leaves.”

“In Marchantia polymorpha, high temperature promotes germination of gemmae (Dacknowski, 1907), and heat absorbed by the gemmae accelerates their germination (Fitting, 1942).”

“Gemma. A curious name⟳. He didn't think⟳ he had ever come⟳ across it before. She would have⟳ an outlandish name⟳, either because her equally eccentric parents had labelled her with it or—more likely—she had adopted it herself on the grounds of originality.”

“Gemma gave him another gushing smile⟳. She wanted to make⟳ amends for almost fouling up Blake's deal⟳. "Gemma. What a beautiful name⟳. You are indeed a jewel."”

CEFR level