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
This bar delivered thanks to its rich lather and moisturizing texture, a result of the lauric acid (which is a fatty acid that helps fight germs and emulsify the hard bar into a big, fluffy lather) baked in the soap.
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Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Key Takeaways Vitamin C can boost your immune system by stimulating white blood cells, enabling them to fight germs more effectively.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.
—Linda Bartoshuk, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
Even one-on-one, this is likely going to be a tough sell for some people, but if you’re unbothered by sharing food and germs, then potential social awkwardness should be a breeze.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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The Pentagon has since been testing the portable, backpack-sized device, which emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy and contains components of Russian origin.—
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Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Lebanon all have sites with Phoenician origins.—
Noun
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Overwatering The main reasons orchid roots get mushy and cause leaf wilt are overwatering or poor drainage, according to Kondrat.—
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According to Nitzsche, simmer pots have historical roots, with a presences across cultures.—
Noun
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Fresh papaya seeds are covered with a slimy coating that prevents them from germinating inside the fruit.—
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The seed round included primary and secondary capital.—
Noun
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Indiana went on a 14-1 run in the third to take the lead from Nebraska (14-2, 3-2) for the first time since the beginning of the game, leading briefly at 51-49.—
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As for the Lady Kate, Furrer said the 110-foot boat stopped cruising at the beginning of the pandemic.—
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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