\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 alg[ae].
   (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}.