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
In addition, people should prevent the spread of germs.
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Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Dec. 2024
But being exposed to an ambient, low-level dose of germs is very different from gulping down a concentrated slug of them.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
Well-Kept, another Southern brand, created their wipes to clean and remove germs on computers, tablets, and phones.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
The hot water cycle will kill off bacteria and other germs that may have accumulated in the gasket and crevices.
—Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germ 
Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Dec. 2024
But being exposed to an ambient, low-level dose of germs is very different from gulping down a concentrated slug of them.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
Well-Kept, another Southern brand, created their wipes to clean and remove germs on computers, tablets, and phones.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
The hot water cycle will kill off bacteria and other germs that may have accumulated in the gasket and crevices.
—Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Advertisement While Sierra was being held in LAPD custody, officials determined the origin point of the Kenneth fire was in Ventura County, so the investigation has been turned over to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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The committee’s members are mostly anonymous and the group’s origins are unknown.Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Human Element: Evolving Roles And Collaboration Platform engineering has transcended its technical roots to become an inherently multidisciplinary endeavor.Srikanta Datta, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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These booze-free craft cocktails made by Curious Elixirs, incorporate herbs, spices, roots and botanicals.Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And virtually on Friday, amid the NFC No. 1 seed’s bye, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson marked the last after defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn declined.Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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Over his six years in Tennessee, Vrabel never fielded an elite roster nor an elite quarterback, yet reached an AFC Championship Game one year and clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed in another season.Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Popular on Variety At the beginning, these demonstrations are at the margins of the film — more like background noise than an integral part of the plot.Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
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The artifacts are believed to have been hidden by an unknown source around 1939 at the beginning of World War II.Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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