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
Hot water is generally recommended for killing germs and bacteria, but warm temperatures can be too harsh for some high-quality materials.
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Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Without deep cleaning spaces or items (such as small appliances), a host of problems occur from the inevitable accumulation of dust, allergens, bacteria, germs, soap scum, mold and mildew.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
To fill the gap in our understanding of how space affects germs, researcher Phil Huss and his team conducted a direct-comparison study.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Never wear your lenses while asleep, either, since that can cause dryness, irritation, abrasions and entrapment of germs that can lead to serious infections.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
The royal may have been respecting common hospital policy to keep jewelry to a minimum to reduce the spread of germs.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
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.
—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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
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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.—
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The origins of Short’s Black Dahlia nickname date back long before her murder.—
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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Both stories have been condensed to their main scenes and songs but still contain full stories with beginnings, middles and ends.—
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What numerology 2026 means for your life The destiny number 1 stands for new beginnings, personal responsibility, and courageous initiative.—
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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