Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characteristic of a germ or a germinal idea; relating to or occurring at the earliest stage of growth or development

“The germinal cells in the embryo are responsible for its development.”

2. noun

a period in the astronomical calendar during which the days are increasing in length

“The spring equinox marks the beginning of the germinal in the Celtic calendar.”

3. noun

a stage in the growth of a plant, especially one at which the buds are beginning to swell and the flowers are beginning to form

“The first leaves of the seedling mark the beginning of the germinal stage in its development.”