I. ˈsēdliŋ, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: seed (I) + -ling
1.
a. : a plant grown from seed as distinguished from one propagated by a vegetative part (as a cutting or layer)
b.
(1) : a tree grown from seed as distinguished from one developed as a stump sucker
(2) : a young tree smaller than a sapling
c. : a nursery plant (as a tree) that has not been transplanted
2. : a small seed
3. : a young sponge
II. adjective
1. : grown or developed from seed
2. : resembling a small seed : existing in an undeveloped form
the poor, rare, struggling, seedling counterpart — A.L.Kroeber