ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈnāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin germination-, germinatio, from germinatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the beginning, process, or result of germinating:
a. : the initial development of a spore involving either production of a germ tube or internal breakup
the first stage in germination of a spore is the absorption of water — George Smith
b. : the resumption of growth by the embryo in a seed after planting that involves the development of a young plant from the embryo after a period of dormancy : sprouting
germination starts when the seed coat is broken — F.S.Baker
c. : the development of a bud
d. : the production of a pollen tube by a pollen grain
2. : the beginning of growth or development : evolution
the germination of newer and more tentative ideas — J.T.Edsall