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
These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.
—
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Beichler said his 150-cow farm works with a veterinarian on regular herd checks and has a safety process that includes sending milk samples to labs every week to test for common germs.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 29 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
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Rotavirus spreads from person to person, often when germs from poop get on hands or surfaces and then into the mouth.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Sibling age gaps of less than four years were associated with a lower rate of allergies and asthma—likely because kids who are closer in age interact more often, sharing germs that improve their microbiome.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Beichler said his 150-cow farm works with a veterinarian on regular herd checks and has a safety process that includes sending milk samples to labs every week to test for common germs.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 29 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
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Rotavirus spreads from person to person, often when germs from poop get on hands or surfaces and then into the mouth.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Sibling age gaps of less than four years were associated with a lower rate of allergies and asthma—likely because kids who are closer in age interact more often, sharing germs that improve their microbiome.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a city that is always negotiating with modernity, the tradition of jol khabar remains a comforting anchor, binding generations to their cultural roots and evoking nostalgia.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This marks the second time in school history that the Mids collected a top-eight seed, joining the 2013 squad that was seeded eighth.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
4 May 2026
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This year, the 3-seed Knicks advanced to round two after beating the Atlanta Hawks four games to two.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
Noun
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Those Depression-era beginnings shaped his life and judicial philosophy — treating everyone fairly, his family said.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
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In terms of all-time hero's journeys, his is up there, from his humble beginnings on Tatooine to learning of his sinister dad to becoming a Jedi master to sacrificing himself to help the Resistance.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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