gemma

noun

1. An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.

   “I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae.”

   “Gemmae are frequently longer than wide or of irregular shape. According to Degenkolbe, gemmae-bearing leaves are always different in form from normal leaves.”

   “In Marchantia polymorpha, high temperature promotes germination of gemmae (Dacknowski, 1907), and heat absorbed by the gemmae accelerates their germination (Fitting, 1942).”

name

1. A female given name from Italian.

   “Gemma. A curious name. He didn't think he had ever come across it before. She would have an outlandish name, either because her equally eccentric parents had labelled her with it or—more likely—she had adopted it herself on the grounds of originality.”

   “Gemma gave him another gushing smile. She wanted to make amends for almost fouling up Blake's deal. "Gemma. What a beautiful name. You are indeed a jewel."”

2. A bright binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis; Alpha (α) Coronae Borealis.