/ahn"lah geuh/ , n. , pl. anlagen /-geuhn/ , anlages . ( sometimes cap. )
1. Embryol. an embryonic area capable of forming a structure: the primordium, germ, or bud.
2. Psychol. an inherited predisposition to certain traits or to a particular character development.
[ 1890-95; Anlage foundation, basis, as n. deriv. of anlegen to lay on or out, apply, equiv. to an- ON + legen to LAY 1 ]