I. ˈjərm, ˈjə̄m, ˈjəim noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French germe, from Latin germin-, germen, alteration of (assumed) Old Latin genmin-, genmen, from Latin gen-, stem of gignere to beget — more at kin
1.
a. : a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an animal or plant or into an organ or part : bud , seed
supernumerary tooth germs may cause formation of supernumerary teeth — K.H.Thoma
b. : the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that usually is separated from the starchy endosperm during the milling
the germ of the wheat grain is very rich in oil content — Leslie Smith
2.
a. : something from which development takes place or that serves or may serve as an origin : beginning , rudiment
the Rule of St. Benedict … already contains the small germ of that freedom and movement which developed in every branch of life — R.W.Southern
b. : homoeomery 1
3. : microorganism
pathogenic bacteria are germs
virus germ
: microbe , disease germ
the cecal worm carries the germ of blackhead in turkeys — B.F.Kaupp & R.C.Surface
Synonyms: see microorganism
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: germinate