Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

germ

Syllabification: (germ)
Pronunciation: /jərm/
Translate germ | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of germ

noun

  • 1a microorganism, especially one that causes disease.
  • 2a portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one or part of one. Compare with germ cell.
  • the embryo in a cereal grain or other plant seed. Compare with wheat germ.
  • an initial stage from which something may develop:the germ of a brilliant idea

Derivatives

germy

adjective
informalsense 1.

Origin:

late Middle English (sense 2): via Old French from Latin germen 'seed, sprout'. sense 1 dates from the late 19th century

germ in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of germ in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …