GERMEN, the seed-bud; defined by Linnaeus to be the base of the pistillum, which contains the rudiments of the seed; and, in progress of vegetation, swells and becomes the seed-vessel.
In assimilating the vegetable and animal kingdoms, Linnaeus denominates the seed-bud the ovarium or uterus of plants; and affirms its existence to be chiefly at the time of the dispersion of the male-dust by the anther; as, after its impregnation, it becomes a feed-vessel. See BOTANY.