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
These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.
—
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Beichler said his 150-cow farm works with a veterinarian on regular herd checks and has a safety process that includes sending milk samples to labs every week to test for common germs.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Make sure to clean under the rim when cleaning the toilet bowl because that’s where a lot of smelly germs hide and mold can build up.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Touching anything in their environment, then touching your mouth or food without washing your hands, can expose you to the salmonella germs.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Rotavirus spreads from person to person, often when germs from poop get on hands or surfaces and then into the mouth.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Sibling age gaps of less than four years were associated with a lower rate of allergies and asthma—likely because kids who are closer in age interact more often, sharing germs that improve their microbiome.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Beichler said his 150-cow farm works with a veterinarian on regular herd checks and has a safety process that includes sending milk samples to labs every week to test for common germs.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Make sure to clean under the rim when cleaning the toilet bowl because that’s where a lot of smelly germs hide and mold can build up.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Touching anything in their environment, then touching your mouth or food without washing your hands, can expose you to the salmonella germs.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sick from these germs.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Rotavirus spreads from person to person, often when germs from poop get on hands or surfaces and then into the mouth.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Sibling age gaps of less than four years were associated with a lower rate of allergies and asthma—likely because kids who are closer in age interact more often, sharing germs that improve their microbiome.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
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
-
The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Gerrymandering as a practice goes back to the beginnings of the republic—the term comes from maps drawn under Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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