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
The fungus penetrates the spider’s tough exoskeleton with a germ tube—a root-like structure that drills its way inside.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
When these germs escape the farm and infect humans, antibiotics are ineffective at treating them, which can make common ailments difficult or even impossible to heal.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 1 Mar. 2025
Add these germ traps to your weekly cleaning routine.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025
The immune system is the body's defense against harmful germs and infections.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
When these germs escape the farm and infect humans, antibiotics are ineffective at treating them, which can make common ailments difficult or even impossible to heal.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 1 Mar. 2025
Add these germ traps to your weekly cleaning routine.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025
The immune system is the body's defense against harmful germs and infections.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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That’s how British star Stephen Graham (Bodies, Boiling Point) describes the origins of the idea for his Netflix crime drama Adolescence, which premieres on Thursday, during a recent Next on Netflix event in London.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Mar. 2025
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Katherine Sprung, a pastry chef and founder of Squish Marshmallows, as well as the host of the food history podcast Sprung on Food, told Newsweek about the dish's origins.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Brown, brittle leaves may make your lawn appear dead, but the crown—the grass plant’s growth point for leaves and roots—is alive and quickly sends up new leaves as soon as conditions are ideal.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
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This market can trace its roots to 1921 and has been in its current 49-acre location since 1956.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After two days of play, the top eight seeds will pair off in four games to decide Friday’s semifinalists.—
Steve Wiseman,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
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Despite earning the Western Conference’s top seed, the Suns dropped the first two games of a best-of-five series against the Lakers at home.—
Doug Haller,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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This modest beginning took place in the midst of late Abstract Expressionism’s supremacy (Willem de Kooning was a favorite), Andy Warhol’s Factory, the countercultural music of artists like the Fugs, and the plentiful readings and parties of a vibrant downtown scene.—
David S. Wallace,
The New Yorker,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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