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
By heating the finished beer to above 160 degrees to kill harmful bacteria, a germ-free beer could be produced that did not require constant refrigeration for lengthy shipment or storage.
—
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Both germs can lead to severe diarrhea and pain.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates among kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and the source of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Both germs can lead to severe diarrhea and pain.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates among kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and the source of community spread.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
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Using animations of Eddie and talking-head interviews with famous fans including Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Chuck D, and the Cure’s Simon Gallup, among others, the doc traces the group’s East London origins, galvanizing a loyal fanbase that now sees them in arenas and stadiums.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a city that is always negotiating with modernity, the tradition of jol khabar remains a comforting anchor, binding generations to their cultural roots and evoking nostalgia.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
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The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The restaurant became the seed of what is now, 40 years later, the California Surf Museum on Pier View Way in Oceanside.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Big West regular-season champion Hawaii, which beat Long Beach on its home court twice in the regular season, and MIVA champion Ball State (25-4) appear to be locks for the other top-four seeds.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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His campaign, however, raised just over $1 million since the beginning of the year — placing him sixth in the fundraising race among the eight leading candidates.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, today is the beginning of a six-year window that will impact your private world.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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