First Known Use: 1644
Dictionary
germ
noun \ˈjərm\
biology : a very small living thing that causes disease
: the origin or basis of something
: a very small amount of something
Full Definition of GERM
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
3
: microorganism; especially : a microorganism causing disease
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Origin of GERM
French germe, from Latin germin-, germen, from gignere to beget — more at kin
Related to GERM
- Synonyms
- fountainhead, seed, origin, root, seedbed
GERM Defined for Kids
germ
noun \ˈjərm\
Definition of GERM for Kids
1
: a source from which something develops <the germ of an idea>
2
: a microorganism (as a bacterium) that causes disease
3
: a bit of living matter (as a cell) capable of forming a new individual or one of its parts
Medical Dictionary
germ
noun \ˈjərm\
Medical Definition of GERM
1
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
2
: microorganism; especially : a microorganism causing disease
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