Question

what is the meaning of the word nascent as used in the passage? to everyones surprise, the universitys nascent department of bioethics received over a thousand applications to its graduate program last year. the staggering number of applicants was a testament not only to student interest in the emerging program, but also to the status of bioethics as a legitimate field of study. new and developing popular and trendy prominent and visible

Explanation:

The context mentions the department is new as it is "emerging" and has just started receiving applications. "Nascent" means new and developing.

Answer:

new and developing