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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Recent Examples of germ
The vacuum has a five-layer filtration system that can capture up to 99.99 percent of germs and allergens, according to the brand.
—
Clara McMahon, People.com, 12 May 2025
Varied handwashing habits Sixty-two percent of participants correctly answered that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the method that most effectively reduces the spread of germs, while 13% thought less time would be enough and 24% believed more time is needed.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Letting a pet sleep in the bed isn't without its risks however, as the Sleep Foundation highlights the germ exposure, nighttime disruptions, and potential for territorial behavior.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The three main stages of the disease are primary (exposure), latent (inactive) and active TB, each reflecting whether TB germs are still contained in the lungs or are actively wreaking havoc.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Clara McMahon, People.com, 12 May 2025
Varied handwashing habits Sixty-two percent of participants correctly answered that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the method that most effectively reduces the spread of germs, while 13% thought less time would be enough and 24% believed more time is needed.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Letting a pet sleep in the bed isn't without its risks however, as the Sleep Foundation highlights the germ exposure, nighttime disruptions, and potential for territorial behavior.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The three main stages of the disease are primary (exposure), latent (inactive) and active TB, each reflecting whether TB germs are still contained in the lungs or are actively wreaking havoc.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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In conversation with Forbes Life, Stoddard speaks about her travels during her research, the origins of ralli and the future of this age-old, beautiful craft.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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The movie charts the influential British rock group's origin story in the late 1960s, from their earliest days – and how everybody wasn't all about that now-iconic name – to their meteoric rise as one of the world's biggest bands.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
Noun
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To remove invasive vines, cut them back to the ground, dig out roots when possible, and apply herbicide directly to fresh cuts with care—never spray near desirable plants.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
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The root of omakase is creativity, and to that end, there’s also a whole lot of uniqueness of concept found even within the omakase realm – and for fans of omakase, there’s some incredible bucket-list experiences that must be enjoyed.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
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The title will run through Oklahoma City, as the Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, play host to the Indiana Pacers.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
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Starting pitcher Reese Lumpkin allowed just one run in 3 1/3 innings as Miami blasted three home runs to take down the bracket’s No. 1 seed 5-4 and move on to the Supers for the first since 2016 — the same year as their last World Series bid.—
Cameron Priester,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Only Part of It Hails From Ingolstadt At the beginning of the 1990s, both Audi and Porsche needed help.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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At the beginning of the year, WWD reported that Medik8 was exploring deal options.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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