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A theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell
Answer for the clue "A theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell ", 12 letters:
preformation
Word definitions for preformation in dictionaries
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Preformation \Pre`for*ma"tion\, n. (Biol.) An old theory of the pre["e]xistence of germs. Cf. Embo[^i]tement .
WordNet
Word definitions in WordNet
n. a theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell [syn: theory of preformation ]
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 Prior formation. 2 (context biology historical English) The theory that organisms are fully developed in the form of an egg or seed, and just increase in size (as opposed to (term: epigenesis).
Usage examples of preformation.
The Preformation was a work done at a single stroke by His Adorable Will.
Something cannot spring from nothing, thus the theory of Preformation must be correct.
Ecce Homo because I was sure that Animalculist Preformation was correct.
It was the legendary first work on Ovist Preformation and was banned by the church soon after its release.
If Ovist Preformation was true, they would be real people born too early.
It was an early work that contributed to the formulation of Animalculist Preformation theory.