The introduction of a small sample of organisms (microbial, plant or animal cells) into a culture medium to act as a seed for the production of large numbers of the same organism by growth and propagation.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 158 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)