gastrulation

noun

gas·​tru·​la·​tion ˌga-strə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce gastrulation (audio)
: the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula
gastrulate
ˈga-strə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gastrulation (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of gastrulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Around the 14th day of embryonic development, a key stage in human growth called gastrulation kicks off. — Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 In the absence of an ethical consensus, Hanna is at work trying to cultivate his models to the equivalent of day 21, roughly the end of gastrulation. — Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Gastrulation, from Gastrula gastrula + -ation -ation

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gastrulation was in 1879

Rhymes for gastrulation

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gastrulation
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Cite this Entry

“Gastrulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gastrulation. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

gastrulation

noun
gas·​tru·​la·​tion ˌgas-trə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce gastrulation (audio)
: the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula

Medical Definition

gastrulation

noun
gas·​tru·​la·​tion ˌgas-trə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce gastrulation (audio)
: the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula
gastrulate
ˈgas-trə-ˌlāt How to pronounce gastrulation (audio)
intransitive verb
gastrulated; gastrulating

More from Merriam-Webster on gastrulation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gastrulation

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