n.1 a micro-organism, esp. one which causes disease.
2 a a portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one; the rudiment of an animal or plant. b an embryo of a seed (wheat germ).
3 an original idea etc. from which something may develop; an elementary principle.
Phrases and idioms:
germ-cell
1. a cell containing half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell and able to unite with one from the opposite sex to form a new individual; a gamete.
2 any embryonic cell with the potential of developing into a gamete. germ warfare the systematic spreading of micro-organisms to cause disease in an enemy population. in germ not yet developed.
Derivatives:
germy adj.
Etymology: F germe f. L germen germinis sprout