as in origins
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 germs
Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.
—
Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Harsh Chemicals When choosing a cleaner to remove dirt and germs from your tile floors, look for something gentle.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
Also, the dual sonic mopping system vibrates 4,000 times a minute for intense cleaning power—and the mop water heats up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit to tackle stains (like stuck-on oil) and to kill germs during the self-cleaning cycle.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 28 Aug. 2025
Foodborne infections caused by specific germs are required to be reported to the CDC or to state health departments.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
What kind of germs are lurking on shoes?
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025
Different germs may lead to different kinds of infections.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates for kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and origins of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Harsh Chemicals When choosing a cleaner to remove dirt and germs from your tile floors, look for something gentle.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
Also, the dual sonic mopping system vibrates 4,000 times a minute for intense cleaning power—and the mop water heats up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit to tackle stains (like stuck-on oil) and to kill germs during the self-cleaning cycle.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 28 Aug. 2025
Foodborne infections caused by specific germs are required to be reported to the CDC or to state health departments.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
What kind of germs are lurking on shoes?
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025
Different germs may lead to different kinds of infections.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates for kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and origins of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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Fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the literal origins of Claire and Brian, both of whom are essential for bringing the original series story to pass.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
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The museum's origins Congress passed legislation to establish the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1962.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For example, most types of turfgrass have short roots, and soil samples from lawns only need to be dug to a depth of 4 inches.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
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The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jordan Love and the offense scored on their first three possessions, and from there the Packers bullied a Lions team that won 14 games and earned the NFC’s top seed last year.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Turmeric makes things yellow; beets produce red; a seed called annatto can give orange; blue can come from spirulina, an algae.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The beginnings of it are depicted in true disaster movie style, with ominous music and a collapsing electric pylon that causes a faulty cable to fall to the ground.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
6 Sep. 2025
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Here is the emphasis on the hardscrabble beginnings and obstacles to be overcome, here is the recognition of a truly raw but once-in-a-lifetime talent that converts the nonbelivers, here are the early wins and the training montages and the tragedies and the comebacks.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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