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
Drinking water chlorination is a common way to disinfect water, as it gets rid of bacteria, viruses and other germs that can sicken people, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
—
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
At times, the administration has verged on advocating for exposure to dangerous germs, Murray pointed out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
This leaves people who recover from the measles virus more vulnerable to all other germs.
—Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Pasteur got into a very public debate trying to persuade people that we’re surrounded by floating germs.
—Ross Pomeroy, Big Think, 20 Mar. 2025
This precaution is meant to protect them from germs and sick children, as Harper's kidney disorder acts like an autoimmune disease.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Obviously the recent uptick in measles cases is concerning, as are germs in general, since my child is too young to receive vaccines yet.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
Raw milk cheeses are those made with milk that hasn’t been heat-treated, or pasteurized, to kill germs.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Drinking alcohol will not help to kill germs in your body.
—Amelia MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
At times, the administration has verged on advocating for exposure to dangerous germs, Murray pointed out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
This leaves people who recover from the measles virus more vulnerable to all other germs.
—Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Pasteur got into a very public debate trying to persuade people that we’re surrounded by floating germs.
—Ross Pomeroy, Big Think, 20 Mar. 2025
This precaution is meant to protect them from germs and sick children, as Harper's kidney disorder acts like an autoimmune disease.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Obviously the recent uptick in measles cases is concerning, as are germs in general, since my child is too young to receive vaccines yet.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
Raw milk cheeses are those made with milk that hasn’t been heat-treated, or pasteurized, to kill germs.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Drinking alcohol will not help to kill germs in your body.
—Amelia MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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This analysis could enable researchers to trace the materials’ origins, potentially leading to the discovery of ancient workshops.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Apr. 2025
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Hamm and Yang play a gay couple who suddenly appear with a newborn — and want to be treated just like their straight friends, reacting incredulously to reasonable questions about the child’s origins.—
Andy Hoglund,
EW.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Break through the ceiling Ole Miss, SEC Oregon, Big Ten Texas A&M, SEC Oregon has played for the national championship twice since 2010 and was the No. 1 seed in last year’s playoffs before Ohio State blew it out in the Rose Bowl.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova will face five-time major champion Iga Swiatek in the final, as both players aim for their maiden Wimbledon title.—
Manasi Pathak,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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