embryonic stage
1
5.5
- noun
- /ˌɛm.briˈɑ.nɪk steɪdʒ/
- Specialized
:
etapa embrionaria
- At this time, research in these areas is in its embryonic stage.
- still in an embryonic stage
And I think we may be hopefully in the embryonic stages of seeing that occur.
- And I think we may be hopefully in the embryonic stages of seeing that occur.
Examples
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Research on CTs is still in an embryonic stage; however, important deficiencies in CT feedback have consistently been detected.
Academic text (2003) -
Since COA is in its embryonic stage, numerous problems and research issues are bound to arise.
Academic text (1999) -
But it was only in its embryonic stage then.
-
The country's tourism sector is still in an embryonic stage, but we are taking concrete steps to make it a reality.
Academic text (2010) -
U.S.-Indian relations have witnessed a dramatic upswing under the Bush administration, but they are still at an embryonic stage.
Academic text (2003) -
In many ways, iPSC research is still—in its embryonic stage.
Blog text (30) -
Prior to 1966, kaifong associations, which had been established in 1949, were only in an embryonic stage of development; they concentrated on organizing cultural, recreational, and welfare activities.
Academic text (1990) -
At this time, research in these areas is in its embryonic stage.
-
Industrial energy conservation remains at an embryonic stage in the U.S.
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The car club is also in the embryonic stage of developing an automotive transportation museum in Houston.
Synonyms
35
3.7
The very early time when something is just starting
1
6.5
An early stage when an idea or plan is not yet developed
The first stage when a project or living thing begins to form
How Developed
35
3.7
- Specialized
1
5.5
- Specialized
4
9.8
- Specialized
13
8.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase 'embryonic stage' is directly compositional: 'embryonic' (relating to an embryo) modifies 'stage' (a phase), yielding the meaning 'the phase when something is an embryo'. This is a literal, cross-linguistically common construction, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the overall meaning.
Etymology
Embryonic stage comes from the image of a tiny embryo inside an egg or womb at its first stage of life, when it is very small and just starting to grow. So the phrase is used for any 'very early' or 'beginning' phase of development that is not yet finished.