seed
UK[siːd]US[siːd]
n
The small, hard part produced by a plant from which a new plant of the same kind can grow.
n
The beginning of something that will develop and grow.
v
To plant seeds in an area of ground.
v
To remove the seeds from a fruit or vegetable.
Etymology
The word 'seed' originates from the Old English 'sǣd', which itself derives from the Proto-Germanic 'sēdiz'. This Germanic root is connected to the act of sowing, as seen in the related verb 'to sow'. The Proto-Indo-European ancestor is likely 'seh₁-', meaning 'to sow', which also gave rise to Latin 'serere' (to sow) and 'semen' (seed). Thus, the modern English word 'seed' has maintained its core agricultural meaning while also extending metaphorically to signify the origin or germ of any developing thing, preserving a direct linguistic link from the ancient act of planting to contemporary abstract concepts of potential and inception.
Analysis
The word 'seed' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
She planted the seed in a small pot of soil.
The idea was the seed that grew into a successful business.
Remember to seed the melon before adding the fruit to the salad.