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
Young children produce less of the stomach acid that’s needed to kill germs, while older adults can be susceptible to infections because their immune systems are less robust, Rivkees says.
—
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Antibodies find and attack germs.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Inside the bran is the endosperm and the germ.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Antibodies find and attack germs.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Inside the bran is the endosperm and the germ.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Following this storyline, most accounts of Korea just after World War II look at these years for the origins of the Korean War.—
Kornel Chang
September 19,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
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Like other spirits categories, tequila is protected by government regulations and a denomination of origin.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This Chardonnay is both a step forward and a nod to its roots, Myers says, as Chardonnay was one of the first grapes that founder Justin Baldwin planted in his vineyard.—
Jeanette Hurt,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The problem is that standing water in the soil deprives roots of oxygen.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In April 2023, Quantum Source raised $27 million in one of the largest seed rounds in quantum computing at the time, and raised another $50 million in September 2024.—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The silky lotion protects with 10% zinc oxide, hydrates with jojoba seed and almond oils, and gets your skin ridiculously glowy with a rosy-beige tint.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The arrival marked the beginning of a day steeped in royal tradition and diplomatic symbolism.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai sees the ‘beginning to see some kind of bubble,’ then it’s probably justified.—
Heather Farmbrough,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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