Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EM'BRY-O, or EM'BRY-ON, n. [Gr. εμβρυον; L. embryon; from Gr. εν and βρυω, to shoot, bud, germinate. The Greek word is contracted probably from βρυδω, for it gives βρυσις; and if so, it coincides in elements with Eng. brood and breed.]

1. In physiology, the first rudiments of an animal in the womb, before the several members are distinctly formed; after which it is called a fetus. Encyc.
2. The rudiments of a plant.
3. The beginning or first state of any thing not fit for production; the rudiments of any thing yet imperfectly formed. The company little suspected what a noble work I had then in embryo. Swift.