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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
Children's immune systems are exposed to many new bacteria and germs every day.
—
Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Use high heat or the sanitation cycle to kill germs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
They filter lymph fluid, which drains from tissues, trapping and destroying germs, cancer cells, and other harmful material.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
Whole Wheat Whole wheat bread is made with wheat flour that keeps the entire wheat kernel intact, including the bran, endosperm, and germ.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Use high heat or the sanitation cycle to kill germs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
They filter lymph fluid, which drains from tissues, trapping and destroying germs, cancer cells, and other harmful material.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
Whole Wheat Whole wheat bread is made with wheat flour that keeps the entire wheat kernel intact, including the bran, endosperm, and germ.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
Alejandro and his band embrace bomba even more here, dedicating the album’s opener to the genre and leaning into its Afro-Puerto Rican origins and ties to African religions.—
Juan J. Arroyo,
Rolling Stone,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The festival celebrates the Milwaukee origins of the universal, yet inefficient QWERTY keyboard in worldwide use.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Today, the experience is all that and much more, and Sandals’ adults-only properties consistently rank among the best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, thanks to the blend of tropical pleasures and authenticity based in Jamaican roots.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
27 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, Sami, a city boy ashamed of his roots, arrives for a relaxing weekend on his family farm.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Chia Seeds Chia seeds offer a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, which supports a sustained cascade of energy throughout the day.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Pests, disease, and weather can all play a part in unsightly stretches of brown grass, and tossing some grass seed over the area may not be the answer.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, there are no such hints for players in Season 3, who are sorted into teams at the beginning of their time in Borderland and told where to go for the next match.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Indiana can expect dry temperatures around the state at the beginning of October.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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