ger ‧ mi ‧ nate /ˈdʒɜːməneɪt, ˈdʒɜːmɪneɪt $ ˈdʒɜːr-/ BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: past participle of germinare 'to start to grow' , from germen ; ⇨ ↑ germ ]
1 . [intransitive and transitive] if a seed germinates, or if it is germinated, it begins to grow SYN sprout
2 . [intransitive] if an idea, feeling etc germinates, it begins to develop:
The idea of setting up his own company began to germinate in his mind.
—germination /ˌdʒɜːməˈneɪʃ ə n, ˌdʒɜːmɪˈneɪʃ ə n $ ˌdʒɜːr-/ noun [uncountable]