To begin to grow or develop, especially from a seed into a plant. The seeds need to be kept moist in order to germinate successfully.
To come into existence; to develop or evolve. The idea for the new project began to germinate during the brainstorming session.
To cause (a seed, spore, etc.) to begin to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy. The gardener germinated the tomato seeds on a damp paper towel.