ger·mi·nate 
/ˈʤɚməˌneɪt/ verb
ger·mi·nates; ger·mi·nat·ed; ger·mi·nat·ing /ˈʤɚməˌneɪt/ verb 1 [no obj] of a seed : to begin to grow
▪ waiting for the seeds to germinate [=sprout] ▪ The seeds germinated quickly. — often used figuratively ▪ The idea has been germinating [=forming, developing] in his mind for some time. 2 [+ obj] : to cause (a seed) to begin to grow
▪ methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds
▪ waiting for the seeds to germinate [=sprout] ▪ The seeds germinated quickly. — often used figuratively ▪ The idea has been germinating [=forming, developing] in his mind for some time.
▪ methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds
— ger·mi·na·tion /ˌʤɚməˈneɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
▪ seed germination ▪ the germination of an idea
/ˌʤɚməˈneɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ seed germination ▪ the germination of an idea
