germ

germ
germless, adj.germlike, adj.
/jerrm/, n.
1. a microorganism, esp. when disease-producing; microbe.
2. a bud, offshoot, or seed.
3. the rudiment of a living organism; an embryo in its early stages.
4. the initial stage in development or evolution, as a germ cell or ancestral form.
5. something that serves as a source or initial stage for subsequent development: the germ of an idea.
adj.
6. Pathol. of, pertaining to, or caused by disease-producing germs.
[1400-50; late ME < MF germe < L germen shoot, sprout, by dissimilation from *genmen, equiv. to gen- (see GENITOR, GENUS) + -men resultative n. suffix)]
Syn. 4. spark, root, bud, rudiment, seed.

* * *

(as used in expressions)
germ plasm theory

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

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  • Germ (MC) — Germ (bürgerlich René Swain; * 15. Februar 1969 in Groß Umstadt) ist ein deutscher Rapper. Inhaltsverzeichnis 1 Kindheit 2 Karriere 3 Diskografie 4 Weblinks …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Germ — (j[ e]rm), n. [F. germe, fr. L. germen, germinis, sprout, but, germ. Cf. {Germen}, {Germane}.] 1. (Biol.) That which is to develop a new individual; as, the germ of a fetus, of a plant or flower, and the like; the earliest form under which an… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Germ-X — is the brand name of a line of antibacterial and antimicrobial products marketed in the United States. Germ X products include instant hand sanitizer gels, foaming hand soap, and soft wipes. Germ X products are manufactured by Vi Jon Laboratories …   Wikipedia

  • Germ — can mean: * Microorganism, especially a pathogenic one; see Germ theory of disease. * Germ cell, a cell that has all the information to grow into a complete adult organism. * The Germ (periodical), a periodical established by the Pre Raphaelite… …   Wikipedia

  • germ — [dʒə:m US dʒə:rm] n [Date: 1400 1500; : French; Origin: germe, from Latin germen seed, bud, germ , from gignere; GENITAL] 1.) a very small living thing that can make you ill →↑bacteria ▪ Put disinfectant down the toilet to kill any germs. 2.) …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • germ — (n.) mid 15c., bud, sprout; 1640s, rudiment of a new organism in an existing one, from M.Fr. germe germ (of egg); bud, seed, fruit; offering, from L. germen (gen. germinis) sprout, bud, perhaps from PIE root *gen to beget, bear (see GENUS (Cf.… …   Etymology dictionary

  • Germ — bezeichnet: Backhefe einen deutschen Rapper, siehe Germ (MC) eine französische Gemeinde, siehe Germ (Hautes Pyrénées) Die Abkürzung germ. steht für: germanisch (g.), vergleiche Germanische Sprachen Siehe auch: Germknödel …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Germ — País …   Wikipedia Español

  • germ — [ dʒɜrm ] noun 1. ) count a form of bacteria that spreads disease among people or animals: Strep is very different from the germ that causes ordinary sore throats. 2. ) singular something that could develop into a greater idea or plan: the germ… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • germ — [jʉrm] n. [ME germe, a bud, sprout < OFr < L germen, sprig, bud, germ, embryo < IE * gen men (> Sans janiman , birth, origin) < base * ĝen : see GENUS] 1. the rudimentary form from which a new organism is developed; seed; bud 2.… …   English World dictionary

  • Germ — Germ, v. i. To germinate. [R.] J. Morley. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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