Nucleations are the formation of a small, initial cluster of molecules that serve as the basis for crystal growth and other phase transitions. Synonyms for nucleations include germ, nucleus, embryo, starter, genesis, beginning, kickoff, incipiency, source, birth, and origin. Germ and nucleus refer to the small initial cluster that serves as the starting point for growth. Similarly, embryo and starter are terms that refer to the beginning stage of development. Genesis, beginning, and kickoff are more general terms that can be used to describe the starting point of any process. Incipiency, source, birth, and origin are used to describe the earliest stage of development from which something originates.