(Originally) an aggregate of cells that develops when certain mouse tumours are grown in culture, and which bears some resemblance to an early embryo in its structure and potential for differentiation; (in later use also) a similar aggregate derived from cells from other sources, especially embryonic stem cells.
Origin
1950s.
Definition of embryoid body in US English:
embryoid body
noun
Biology
(Originally) an aggregate of cells that develops when certain mouse tumours are grown in culture, and which bears some resemblance to an early embryo in its structure and potential for differentiation; (in later use also) a similar aggregate derived from cells from other sources, especially embryonic stem cells.