1. An animal organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation that in higher forms merge into foetal stages but in lower forms terminate in commencement of larval life
   "The embryo began to develop distinct features as it grew";
   - conceptus, fertilized egg, fertilised egg [Brit]
    
2. (botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium
   "The embryo of the oak tree was visible under the microscope"
    
3. The multicellular organism formed after conception during the first 8 weeks of human development (after which it is classified as a foetus)
   "The ultrasound showed a healthy embryo at six weeks"
    
4. The first stage or starting form of anything
   "The project was still in its embryo stage"

Derived forms: embryos

Type of: animal, animate being, flora, plant, plant life

Encyclopedia: Embryo