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
The vacuum has a five-layer filtration system that can capture up to 99.99 percent of germs and allergens, according to the brand.
—
Clara McMahon, People.com, 12 May 2025
Varied handwashing habits Sixty-two percent of participants correctly answered that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the method that most effectively reduces the spread of germs, while 13% thought less time would be enough and 24% believed more time is needed.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Letting a pet sleep in the bed isn't without its risks however, as the Sleep Foundation highlights the germ exposure, nighttime disruptions, and potential for territorial behavior.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The three main stages of the disease are primary (exposure), latent (inactive) and active TB, each reflecting whether TB germs are still contained in the lungs or are actively wreaking havoc.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Clara McMahon, People.com, 12 May 2025
Varied handwashing habits Sixty-two percent of participants correctly answered that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the method that most effectively reduces the spread of germs, while 13% thought less time would be enough and 24% believed more time is needed.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Letting a pet sleep in the bed isn't without its risks however, as the Sleep Foundation highlights the germ exposure, nighttime disruptions, and potential for territorial behavior.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The three main stages of the disease are primary (exposure), latent (inactive) and active TB, each reflecting whether TB germs are still contained in the lungs or are actively wreaking havoc.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
As global airlines compete for high-paying passengers, wine is emerging as a new marker of status—less about volume and more about origin, style and association with elite producers.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
He is charged in U.S. District Court in Colorado with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Targeted Treatment for Inherited Disease in Infants More tools than ever before are available to address the root cause when a concerning genetic change is detected.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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One of the common root causes is that many of us instinctively fill every available surface, from drawers to shelves, and cabinets to closets.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Noun
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The title will run through Oklahoma City, as the Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, play host to the Indiana Pacers.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
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This selective gate allowed water to travel in and out of the seed without letting solid nutrients escape.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Only Part of It Hails From Ingolstadt At the beginning of the 1990s, both Audi and Porsche needed help.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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Setting realistic expectations from the very beginning will create more meaningful relationships with clients that are built on trust.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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