Germ Definition
jûrm
germs
noun
germs
A small mass of protoplasm or cells from which a new organism or one of its parts may develop.
American Heritage Medicine
The rudimentary form from which a new organism is developed; seed; bud.
Webster's New World
Any microscopic organism, esp. one of the bacteria, that can cause disease.
Webster's New World
That from which something can develop or grow; basis.
The germ of an idea.
Webster's New World
(UK, derogatory) A German person.
Wiktionary
abbreviation
Abbreviation of German.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Germ
Noun
Singular:
germ
Plural:
germsOrigin of Germ
-
Middle English bud from Old French germe from Latin germen genə- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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