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
3
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
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 has not undergone pasteurization: a process of heating to a specific temperature to kill germs such as viruses or bacteria.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, grime and other debris along with germs from surfaces, and can be accomplished with plain soap and water.
—Arlene Blum, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Regular cleanings are best with bathrooms, but a thorough cleaning is essential for preventing germs and buildup, especially if they’ve been neglected lately.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
Unlike refined grains, which have their bran and germ removed, whole grains retain these nutrient-rich components.23
Eating more whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease and help with weight management.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for germ 
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, grime and other debris along with germs from surfaces, and can be accomplished with plain soap and water.
—Arlene Blum, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Regular cleanings are best with bathrooms, but a thorough cleaning is essential for preventing germs and buildup, especially if they’ve been neglected lately.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
Unlike refined grains, which have their bran and germ removed, whole grains retain these nutrient-rich components.23
Eating more whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease and help with weight management.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for germ
Dictionary Entries Near germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germ
noun1
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
noun1
: 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
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