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
Young children produce less of the stomach acid that’s needed to kill germs, while older adults can be susceptible to infections because their immune systems are less robust, Rivkees says.
—
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Antibodies find and attack germs.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Inside the bran is the endosperm and the germ.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Antibodies find and attack germs.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Inside the bran is the endosperm and the germ.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The origins of Godzilla’s name may remain a mystery, but there are no secrets related to its film escapades.—
Michael Taube,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Its origins trace back to the 19th century, when the mondine sang it—female laborers in Northern Italy's rice paddies—protesting brutal working conditions and lost youth.—
Amanda Castro
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This Chardonnay is both a step forward and a nod to its roots, Myers says, as Chardonnay was one of the first grapes that founder Justin Baldwin planted in his vineyard.—
Jeanette Hurt,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The problem is that standing water in the soil deprives roots of oxygen.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In April 2023, Quantum Source raised $27 million in one of the largest seed rounds in quantum computing at the time, and raised another $50 million in September 2024.—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The silky lotion protects with 10% zinc oxide, hydrates with jojoba seed and almond oils, and gets your skin ridiculously glowy with a rosy-beige tint.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The beginning of the evening was marked by an intimate performance on behalf of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
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And targeting, torturing, and murdering political opponents, rivals, and critics have marked the conflict since its beginning.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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