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

How to Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Because viruses like flu can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, experts recommend daily disinfecting of high-touch areas and items during cold and flu season to keep germs at bay. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024

Wipe well with a paper towel and reheat the skillet on the stovetop on medium for several minutes to kill off any germs. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024

Its high-efficiency filter promises to capture 99.97 percent of germs, allergens, and other tiny particles from the air, as well as unwanted odors to keep your home smelling fresh. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Raw whole turkeys are highly likely to be contaminated with germs that can make people sick, most commonly campylobacter and salmonella. —Keren Landman, Vox, 27 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