Meaning

(biology) The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote..

Definitions by Sense

1. (biology) The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote.
2. A pathogen: a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus.
3. (figurative) The origin or earliest version of an idea or project.
4. (mathematics) An equivalence class that includes a specified function defined in an open neighborhood.
5. To germinate.
6. (slang) To grow, as if parasitic.

Example Sentences

'This again,' said the Bacteriologist, slipping a glass slide under the microscope, 'is a preparation of the celebrated Bacillus of cholera - the cholera germ.'

the germ of civil liberty

Now all his ponderings, however excursive, wheeled round Isabel as their center; and back to her they came again from every excursion; and again derived some new, small germs for wonderment.

What greatness had not floated on the ebb of that river into the mystery of an unknown earth? - the dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empires.

Thus tempted, the lust to avenge me / Germed inly and grew.

I’m addicted, want to germ inside your love

Word Forms

• germs
• germing
• germed

Synonyms for germ

Related Words

When Should You Use Germ?

Use germ when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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