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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of germ Drinking alcohol will not help to kill germs in your body. Amelia MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025 Raw milk cheeses are those made with milk that hasn’t been heat-treated, or pasteurized, to kill germs. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 An even smaller fraction—about 8 percent—had installed air-cleansing systems that incorporated ultraviolet light, which can kill germs. Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2025 Since then scientists and doctors have had some success in taming germs, thanks to the twin wonders of vaccines and treatments, Tomes says. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
  • The duo first met in an acting class, says Nikki of her origin story with Molly.
    Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The constant flux complicates the task of isolating the true origin of the infrastructure.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Officials haven't announced a probable root cause for the launch failure in March.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
  • He was raised in Boston Both Ivery and Pompeo have Boston roots.
    Maggie Kreienberg, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the morning, Lochlan makes a protein shake without washing out the poisonous seeds in the container.
    Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Casa performs annual stress tests on seed phrase backups.
    Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the beginning of 2025, the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement experienced significant momentum, marked by several key developments such as the emergence of new projects, market growth and investment, technological advancements, and community and collaboration.
    Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At the beginning of March, David’s promoted Kelly Cook, its former president of brand, technology and finance, to CEO, succeeding Jim Marcum, who will transition to executive chairman on Tuesday.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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