also: とうが
noun
winter bud
Botanical term for a bud that forms in late summer or autumn and remains dormant through winter, protected by scales. Contrasts with 夏芽 (summer bud).
See also: 夏芽
冬芽は寒さから身を守るために硬い鱗片で覆われている。
Winter buds are covered with hard scales to protect themselves from the cold.
春
In spring, the winter buds begin to swell.
夏芽 refers to a summer bud that develops and opens in the same growing season, while 冬芽 remains dormant over winter.
Compound of 冬 (winter) and 芽 (bud). The reading ふゆめ is the native Japanese reading, while とうが uses the on'yomi of the characters.