plural germs
1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
b
: the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling
3
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
Examples of germ in a Sentence
the germ that causes tuberculosis
the germ of an idea
the germ layers of an embryo
Recent Examples on the Web
The immune system is the body's defense against harmful germs and infections.
—
Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
Some other agencies say the difference is that sanitizers reduce germs to levels that are considered safe, while disinfectants destroy or deactivate germs.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
These are all relatively small, easy investments that can help reduce the transfer of germs around the house.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Shower curtains and underneath containers and bottles are prime real estate for mold, mildew, and germs.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
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Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
Some other agencies say the difference is that sanitizers reduce germs to levels that are considered safe, while disinfectants destroy or deactivate germs.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
These are all relatively small, easy investments that can help reduce the transfer of germs around the house.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Shower curtains and underneath containers and bottles are prime real estate for mold, mildew, and germs.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germ
noun1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts
b
: the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling
2
: something that serves as an origin
the germ of an idea
3
: a microscopic living thing
especially
: one that causes disease
Medical Definition
germ
noun1
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
2
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
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