n., pl., -ges, -ges, or -gen, -gen (-gən).
- Biology. The initial clustering of embryonic cells from which a part or an organ develops; primordium.
- A genetic predisposition to a given trait or personality characteristic.
- A fundamental principle; the foundation for a future development.
[German, fundamental principle, from Middle High German anlāge, request : ane-, on (from Old High German ana-) + lāge, act of laying (from Old High German lāga).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
