as in origins
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 germs
Little more than a century later, life expectancy had dramatically increased to seventy nine years—all due to a better understanding of microscopic germs as the cause of infectious diseases, public health measures, and the discovery and application of antibiotics.
—
Alan Lightman
september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
These are telltale signs that there’s a buildup of bacteria, germs, and other unwanted substances in or on your trash can that can end up spreading to other members of your family while creating an odor that can spread throughout the house along the way.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
When Nibbled Garden Produce Is Okay to Eat Besides potential germs, there are a few other factors to consider before eating veggies or fruit from your garden that animals have munched.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
If that still sounds like a lot, consider the number of germs children are exposed to every day, pediatricians say.
—ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
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
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Alan Lightman
september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
These are telltale signs that there’s a buildup of bacteria, germs, and other unwanted substances in or on your trash can that can end up spreading to other members of your family while creating an odor that can spread throughout the house along the way.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
When Nibbled Garden Produce Is Okay to Eat Besides potential germs, there are a few other factors to consider before eating veggies or fruit from your garden that animals have munched.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
If that still sounds like a lot, consider the number of germs children are exposed to every day, pediatricians say.
—ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
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
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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The origins of Godzilla’s name may remain a mystery, but there are no secrets related to its film escapades.—
Michael Taube,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Since pivoting from black and pinto beans to roasted and ground ones, Niccol has been trying to reverse Starbucks’s falling sales by returning to its coffeehouse origins.—
Molly Liebergall,
Fortune,
12 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
-
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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One of several intriguing questions from the Big 12’s offseason might have the beginnings of an answer.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
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Intense, dramatic and often life-changing, time speeds up in this energetic tunnel with themes of endings and beginnings coming into view.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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