From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishgerminateger‧mi‧nate /ˈdʒɜːməneɪt $ ˈdʒɜːr-/ verb 1 [intransitive, transitive]TACDLG if a seed germinates, or if it is germinated, it begins to grow SYN sprout2 [intransitive]DEVELOP if an idea, feeling etc germinates, it begins to develop The idea of setting up his own company began to germinate in his mind. —germination /ˌdʒɜːməˈneɪʃən $ ˌdʒɜːr-/ noun [uncountable]→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
germinate• Most seeds germinate best between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.• The spores do germinate, go through a few perfunctory cell divisions, then give up the ghost.• Some aquatic plants develop seeds which germinate immediately after maturing.• Relatively large seeds germinate immediately after ripening.• The idea of forming a business partnership began to germinate in his mind.• Seeds are formed readily and germinate satisfactorily.• Because polyanthus are more difficult to germinate, start them off in seed trays or pots in a greenhouse or cold frame.• Under these conditions many will germinate successfully.• Most nurseries write off one in 10 plants, for failing to germinate, thrive or being destroyed by pests.Origin germinate (1500-1600) Latin past participle of germinare “to start to grow”, from germen; → GERM 