(~s)
1.
A ~ is a very small organism that causes disease.
Chlorine is widely used to kill ~s.
...a ~ that destroyed hundreds of millions of lives.
N-COUNT
2.
The ~ of something such as an idea is something which developed or might develop into that thing.
The ~ of an idea took root in Rosemary’s mind...
N-SING: N of n
3.
see also wheat~