Definition of germ theory
: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms
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Recent Examples of germ theory from the Web
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These advances transformed science and led, amongst other things, to germ theory and microbiology.
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Fundamental research is credited with resulting in a range of groundbreaking discoveries, from GPS technology to germ theory.
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Tetanus and gangrene were serious threats as germ theory was only in its infant stages.
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With the development of germ theory, sunlight and fresh air had new purposes.
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This is right at the beginning of his development of antisepsis, and a lot of surgeons aren’t accepting germ theory at this point.
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Doctors who routinely infected women during childbirth out of ignorance of the germ theory of disease are not reviled today.
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However, Pasteur's incomplete knowledge of germ theory still allowed him to develop vaccines for anthrax and rabies, saving many lives in the process.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'germ theory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of germ theory
1870
Medical Dictionary
germ theory
medical Definition of germ theory
: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions (as suppurative lesions) result from the action of microorganisms
Learn More about germ theory
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about germ theory
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