germ

views updated May 17 2018

germ / jərm/ • n. 1. a microorganism, esp. one that causes disease.2. a portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one or part of one. Compare with germ cell. ∎  the embryo in a cereal grain or other plant seed. Compare with wheat germ. ∎  an initial stage from which something may develop: the germ of a brilliant idea.DERIVATIVES: germ·y adj. ( inf. , in sense 1).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

germ

views updated May 23 2018

germ (jerm) n. any microorganism, especially one that causes disease. See also infection.

A Dictionary of Nursing

germ

views updated Jun 11 2018

germ rudimentary form. XVII. — (O)F. germe :- L. germen sprout. Preceded by germen XVII, which remains in botanical use.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

germ

views updated May 29 2018

germ Popular term for any infectious agent. Germs can be bacteria, fungi or viruses. In biology, it denotes a rudimentary stage in plant growth.

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