Gem"mule (?), n. [L. gemmula, dim. of gemma: cf. F. gemmule. See Gem.] 1. (Bot.) (a) A little leaf bud, as the plumule between the cotyledons. (b) One of the buds of mosses. (c) One of the reproductive spores of algæ. (d) An ovule.

2. (Biol.) (a) A bud produced in generation by gemmation. (b) One of the imaginary granules or atoms which, according to Darwin's hypothesis of pangenesis, are continually being thrown off from every cell or unit, and circulate freely throughout the system, and when supplied with proper nutriment multiply by self-division and ultimately develop into cells like those from which they were derived. They are supposed to be transmitted from the parent to the offspring, but are often transmitted in a dormant state during many generations and are then developed. See Pangenesis.

English
• a small gemma, or asexual reproductive structure, found in liverworts or hydra
  
• the reproductive structure in some sponges that remains dormant through the winter and later develops into new, individual life.