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
Drinking water chlorination is a common way to disinfect water, as it gets rid of bacteria, viruses and other germs that can sicken people, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
—
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
Also Consider Germs The biggest consideration for me in deciding whether to go to Disney World with our newborn was the potential exposure to germs.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
This drug-free nasal suction device works quickly to soothe nasal passages by sucking out mucus, allergens and germs.
—Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
This can cause skin cracking, giving germs a place to enter.
—Casey Gallagher, Health, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
Also Consider Germs The biggest consideration for me in deciding whether to go to Disney World with our newborn was the potential exposure to germs.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
This drug-free nasal suction device works quickly to soothe nasal passages by sucking out mucus, allergens and germs.
—Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
This can cause skin cracking, giving germs a place to enter.
—Casey Gallagher, Health, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Columbus was a stand-in for the nation’s hagiographic origin story, much like the Mayflower or its Western pioneers.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
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Typically, the first film in a Marvel franchise establishes the protagonist’s origins, and the sequels present that character with challenges from increasingly formidable opponents.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But a personal encounter with veganism pulled her back to her culinary roots — this time with a mission.—
Sierra Knoch,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
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The long tap root can be eaten raw in salads or boiled and eaten like parsnips.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Friday night’s 123-114 overtime play-in victory in Atlanta, on top of Wednesday’s impressive must-win in Chicago, has saved a sinking season and sent Miami into the NBA playoffs proper, as a No. 8 seed facing No. 1 Cleveland in Game 1 Sunday in Ohio.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
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Friday’s outcome did not change Johns Hopkins’ standing in the league tournament as it was already slated to be the No. 6 seed.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Type 1: The Starting Goal The first type of financial goal is the one set at the beginning of a financial journey.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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There were language gaps, especially at the beginning.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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