germ theory

noun

: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms

Examples of germ theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kennedy’s fringe beliefs, such as his zealous anti-vaccine views, his rejection of germ theory, and his false claim that 5G is damaging our brains and causing cancer. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026

Much of medicine before the advent of germ theory and bacteriology provided incorrect diagnoses and problematic treatments. — Jim Downs, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026

As a more scientific understanding of germ theory took hold, the impetus became less medicinal, more practical, then pleasurable. — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026

Two centuries later, Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch helped establish germ theory, which holds that many diseases are caused by infectious agents that multiply in the body. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for germ theory

• kashmiri
• beery
• bleary
• cheery
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery

Kids Definition

germ theory

noun

: the theory that infectious and contagious disease results from the action of living things

Medical Definition

germ theory

noun

: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions (as suppurative lesions) result from the action of microorganisms