Etymology

gemma

G2E1M3M3A1

Today it means: 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. Full definition →

Latin gemma
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gemma · noun1

  1. Latin · learned borrowing fromgemma“bud on a plant”
  2. English todaygemma

Learned borrowing from Latin gemma (“bud on a plant”). Doublet of gem and Gemma.

Gemma · proper noun2

  1. Italian · borrowed fromGemma
  2. Latin · derived fromgemma“jewel”
  3. English todayGemma

Ultimately from Latin gemma (“jewel”). The given name is mostly borrowed via Italian Gemma; the spelling Jemma in particular is associated with James. Doublet of gemma and gem.

Words from the same roots

Latingemma all →

gemgemmaceousgemmiferousgemmificationgemmologygemmotherapy

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.