as in origins
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 germs
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
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
The cleaner melts away waterproof and long-wear makeup in seconds, helps prevent bacteria and germs, and your brushes also dry fairly instantly.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024
Families have been traveling since Thanksgiving week, adding new germs to the local mix.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024
The scents are so lovely and light, and the sanitizing solution removes germs while nourishing your skin.
—Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
Raw milk is not pasteurized, a process that includes heating to a high temperature to kill harmful germs and viruses.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Turkey and everything inside it should be heated to at least 165 degrees before serving to kill any disease-causing germs.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 27 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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 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
The cleaner melts away waterproof and long-wear makeup in seconds, helps prevent bacteria and germs, and your brushes also dry fairly instantly.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024
Families have been traveling since Thanksgiving week, adding new germs to the local mix.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024
The scents are so lovely and light, and the sanitizing solution removes germs while nourishing your skin.
—Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
Raw milk is not pasteurized, a process that includes heating to a high temperature to kill harmful germs and viruses.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Turkey and everything inside it should be heated to at least 165 degrees before serving to kill any disease-causing germs.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 27 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
Thesaurus Entries Near germs
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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