as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
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Recent Examples of germ
Also, the dual sonic mopping system vibrates 4,000 times a minute for intense cleaning power—and the mop water heats up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit to tackle stains (like stuck-on oil) and to kill germs during the self-cleaning cycle.
—
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 28 Aug. 2025
Foodborne infections caused by specific germs are required to be reported to the CDC or to state health departments.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
What kind of germs are lurking on shoes?
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and cover the affected area to prevent exposure to outside germs.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 28 Aug. 2025
Foodborne infections caused by specific germs are required to be reported to the CDC or to state health departments.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
What kind of germs are lurking on shoes?
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and cover the affected area to prevent exposure to outside germs.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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And because of its higher-level academic origins, the majority of voters on either side of its function would likely struggle to define it.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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The missions will each focus on different effects of the solar wind and space weather, from their origins at the Sun to their farthest reaches billions of miles away at the edge of our Solar System.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For example, most types of turfgrass have short roots, and soil samples from lawns only need to be dug to a depth of 4 inches.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
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The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jordan Love and the offense scored on their first three possessions, and from there the Packers bullied a Lions team that won 14 games and earned the NFC’s top seed last year.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Turmeric makes things yellow; beets produce red; a seed called annatto can give orange; blue can come from spirulina, an algae.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The bill replaces the state’s once-a-year test with three shorter exams, to be given at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
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From the very beginning of launching her brand, Mutayo set her sights on the world stage.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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