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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Recent Examples of germ
Vegetations are clumps or masses that often build up from an infection, generally containing a bundle of proteins, platelets, and infecting germs stuck together.
—
ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
There are different levels of cleaning a refrigerator: Spills and foul odors should be addressed immediately, and door handles should be cleaned at least weekly to keep the high-touch surfaces free of germs and bacteria.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2025
Pets and humans track dirt, water and germs back and forth over them all day, every day, and keeping them clean feels like an impossible dream.
Enter the washable rug.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
The premise of this all-foam mattress is the use of green tea and charcoal infused in its memory foam layers to keep out moisture that could result in germ and odor buildup.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
There are different levels of cleaning a refrigerator: Spills and foul odors should be addressed immediately, and door handles should be cleaned at least weekly to keep the high-touch surfaces free of germs and bacteria.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2025
Pets and humans track dirt, water and germs back and forth over them all day, every day, and keeping them clean feels like an impossible dream.
Enter the washable rug.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
The premise of this all-foam mattress is the use of green tea and charcoal infused in its memory foam layers to keep out moisture that could result in germ and odor buildup.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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According to Variety, the project covering O’Connor’s origin story is being helmed by Irish production company ie: entertainment, which executive produced and worked with the singer on the 2022 O’Connor documentary Nothing Compares; O’Connor died in July 2023 at age 56 of natural causes.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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But there's one part of Silverstone's origin that the actress isn't sentimental about.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Sabonis also talked about establishing roots and building a future in Sacramento after the Kings acquired him in the February 2022 trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Some of those included nominations in the country and American roots categories for the first time.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Adding healthy fats, such as chia seeds, walnuts, olive oil, avocado or full-fat yogurt to the equation is helpful.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
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Instead, the Mavericks were the No. 10 seed … and zoomed to the No. 1 overall pick, Duke’s Flagg.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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What began as one family’s search for a life in rhythm with the land has bloomed into a thriving village where 70% of the acreage has been protected under a land trust from the beginning.—
Chrissy Tracey,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Phillips said there are only three insurance companies actively insuring child care programs left in Michigan, compared with about 10 that existed at the beginning of 2024.—
Beki San Martin,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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