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
Infection is usually caused by inhaling germs from the rodents’ urine, droppings or saliva that have become airborne.
—
Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Between food scraps and foodborne illness-causing bacteria on the dishes, the sink can quickly become a breeding ground for germs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Pasteurization kills germs by heating the milk, commonly to at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Inside, microorganisms break down the body into soil in a natural process that generates heat to reach temperatures of 131 F (55 C) or higher — enough to kill germs.
—Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Inside, microorganisms break down the body into soil in a natural process that generates heat to reach temperatures of 131 F (55 C) or higher — enough to kill germs.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Make sure to clean under the rim when cleaning the toilet bowl because that’s where a lot of smelly germs hide and mold can build up.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Touching anything in their environment, then touching your mouth or food without washing your hands, can expose you to the salmonella germs.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Between food scraps and foodborne illness-causing bacteria on the dishes, the sink can quickly become a breeding ground for germs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Pasteurization kills germs by heating the milk, commonly to at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Inside, microorganisms break down the body into soil in a natural process that generates heat to reach temperatures of 131 F (55 C) or higher — enough to kill germs.
—Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Inside, microorganisms break down the body into soil in a natural process that generates heat to reach temperatures of 131 F (55 C) or higher — enough to kill germs.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Make sure to clean under the rim when cleaning the toilet bowl because that’s where a lot of smelly germs hide and mold can build up.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Touching anything in their environment, then touching your mouth or food without washing your hands, can expose you to the salmonella germs.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
The phrase apparently traces its origins to a 2021 post in an online forum run by Chinese search giant Baidu.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
The timeline, whose origins are unclear, said Barket had authenticated the note as of January 2020.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Instead of focusing on competition, Tucci’s culinary endeavors have centered on reconnecting with his Italian roots.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Perennial sunflowers can be grown from seed and normally have numerous, but smaller blooms, than their annual relatives.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
The Warriors missed the playoffs for the second time in three years, earning the 10th seed in the Western Conference and eventually losing to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament.—
Janie McCauley,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Humble beginnings Menjívar arrived undocumented in the United States at age 18, fleeing a bloody civil war in El Salvador, stowed away in a car to avoid detection at the border.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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Over the last two years, the actress has reportedly picked up two neighboring properties in the area, creating what already looks like the beginnings of a private compound spread across roughly half an acre.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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