germ

noun

ˈjərm 

plural germs

1

a

: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts

b

: the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling

2

: something that initiates development or serves as an origin : rudiments, beginning

3

: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)

broadly : microorganism

Synonyms

• fountainhead
• origin
• root
• seed
• seedbed

Examples of germ in a Sentence

the germ that causes tuberculosis

the germ of an idea

the germ layers of an embryo

Recent Examples on the Web

Raw milk is not pasteurized, a process that includes heating to a high temperature to kill harmful germs and viruses. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

For starters, you could be exposed to unfamiliar germs in crowded spaces (hello, airplane breeding ground). —Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024

However, these requirements cannot guarantee that a dairy farm will produce raw milk dairy products that are free from harmful germs, said the California Department of Public Health. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2024

Cleaning is a necessary part of life, an essential task that keeps us (and our families) safe from harmful germs and bacteria. —Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French germe, from Latin germin-, germen, from gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing germ

• germ cell
• germ-free
• germ layer
• germ line
• germ plasm
• germ theory
• germ warfare
• wheat germ

Kids Definition

germ

noun

ˈjərm 

1

a

: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts

b

: the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling

2

: something that serves as an origin

the germ of an idea

3

: a microscopic living thing

especially : one that causes disease

Medical Definition

germ

noun

ˈjərm 

1

: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts

2

: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (as a bacterium or virus)

broadly : microorganism