gem·mate I. \ˈjeˌmāt\adjective Etymology: Latin gemmatus, past participle 1.: having gemmae 2.: reproducing by a bud II. intransitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Latin gemmatus, from gemmatus past participle of gemmare to put forth buds, from gemma bud — more at gem of coral: to produce or propagate by a bud