/ ˈdʒɜːmɪneɪt; NAmE ˈdʒɜːrm-/ verb
when the seed of a plant germinates or is germinated , it starts to grow :
[ v ] ( figurative )
An idea for a novel began to germinate in her mind.
[also vn ]
► ger·min·ation / ˌdʒɜːmɪˈneɪʃn; NAmE ˌdʒɜːrm-/ noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from Latin germinat- sprouted forth, budded, from the verb germinare , from germen , germin- sprout, seed.