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
Environmental health personnel, on the other hand, deal with threats in the environment, whether that’s E. coli in restaurant food, germs in public swimming pools or extreme heat.
—
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
The sanitizing case protects your toothbrush from picking up germs in your toiletry bag or the airplane sink.
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Steaming will eliminate odor-causing bacteria and germs, leaving an upholstered headboard looking and smelling fresher.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
If public restroom germs make your skin crawl (and your urge to poop vanish), Dr. Levy recommends bringing portable Clorox wipes, travel-size sanitizers, or even crafting a makeshift toilet seat cover from paper.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
The sanitizing case protects your toothbrush from picking up germs in your toiletry bag or the airplane sink.
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Steaming will eliminate odor-causing bacteria and germs, leaving an upholstered headboard looking and smelling fresher.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
If public restroom germs make your skin crawl (and your urge to poop vanish), Dr. Levy recommends bringing portable Clorox wipes, travel-size sanitizers, or even crafting a makeshift toilet seat cover from paper.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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For many New Yorkers of Mexican origin, seeing the Cuauhtémoc sail into our harbor was a proud and emotional moment.—
Eric Adams,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2025
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Michelle Williams is a solid second, receiving some keen support from the panel, but Milioti’s rising crime boss with a brutal origin story has stolen the BuzzMeter’s heart.—
Michael Ordoña,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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While turmeric is a root that is ground into a spice, curcumin is the main chemical compound responsible for its yellow-orange color and many of its health benefits.1 How to Use Turmeric for Weight Loss There's no exact prescription for how much turmeric to eat to lose weight.—
Jamie Johnson,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
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Ants will swarm plants that are infested with spider mites, cabbage loopers, root maggots, beetle grubs, scale, mealybugs, ticks, or other pests that ants feed on.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 May 2025
Noun
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At Perilla, cooks use lard, olive oil, or seed and vegetable oils when making seafood, veggies, and other non-beefy menu items.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2025
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Another potential drawback is that people may miss out on healthy foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, which can actually be associated with a healthy weight in moderation.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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The inaugural Mass marked the official beginning of Leo’s pontificate.—
Molly Bohannon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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