Preformation

[,pri:fɒ:'meiʃәn]

Definition

(noun.) a theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell.

Inputed by Artie--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) An old theory of the preexistence of germs. Cf. Embo/tement.

Checked by Gilbert