as in origin
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
Because water filters collect germs from water, those need to be tossed after the advisory lifts.
—
Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
Dab, buff, polish, and voila! Cell Phones Scratches, germs, bacteria, skin cells...so many unsavory things are being carted around on our cell phones.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 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
Since the infections are caused by different types of germs, you could be infected by both.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
Dab, buff, polish, and voila! Cell Phones Scratches, germs, bacteria, skin cells...so many unsavory things are being carted around on our cell phones.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 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
Since the infections are caused by different types of germs, you could be infected by both.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The duo first met in an acting class, says Nikki of her origin story with Molly.—
Anne Easton,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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The constant flux complicates the task of isolating the true origin of the infrastructure.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For example, companies are offering products like probiotics for the gut-skin axis or anti-inflammatory serums aiming to address root causes.—
Wayne Liu,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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He was raised in Boston Both Ivery and Pompeo have Boston roots.—
Maggie Kreienberg,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the morning, Lochlan makes a protein shake without washing out the poisonous seeds in the container.—
Colleen Kratofil,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Illustration: Kristina Armitage/Quanta Magazine Moore recognized the seeds of Turing machine behavior in the subject of his graduate studies: chaos.—
Charlie Wood,
Wired News,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At the beginning of last year, Del Rey shared a snippet of the ballad without any context.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
11 Apr. 2025
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At the beginning of the 2005 season, then–NBA Commissioner David Stern implemented a dress code.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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