germ
jurm
Germ (noun) means a microorganism, especially one that causes disease, such as a bacterium or virus. Example: “Wash your hands to kill any germs before eating.”
noun
1
A microorganism, especially one that causes disease, such as a bacterium or virus.
"Wash your hands to kill any germs before eating."
"The nurse explained how germs spread from person to person."
2
The earliest form or origin of an idea, plan, or living thing.
"The germ of the idea came to her during a long train ride."
"You can see the germ of his later novels in these early short stories."
3
The embryo part of a seed or grain, such as wheat germ.
"Wheat germ is often added to bread for extra nutrition."
How to use germ
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a disease-causing microbe, or the tiny starting point of an idea or a plant.
Common mistake
Not the same as "germane" (relevant) despite the similar spelling — they come from different Latin words.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
spread germs
kill germs
germ of an idea
wheat germ
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Word forms
- Plural
- germs
- Third person singular
- germs
- Past tense
- germed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Wash your hands to kill any _____ before eating.
Etymology
From Latin germen, meaning "bud, seed, or embryo" — the same root gives us "germinate."
Related words
Rhymes for germ
See all rhymes for germ →Frequently asked questions
What does “germ” mean?
The word “germ” means a microorganism, especially one that causes disease, such as a bacterium or virus. In plain terms, either a disease-causing microbe, or the tiny starting point of an idea or a plant.
How do you pronounce “germ”?
“Germ” is pronounced jurm (/d͡ʒɝm/ in IPA).
How do you use “germ” in a sentence?
Here is “germ” used in a sentence: “Wash your hands to kill any germs before eating.”
What part of speech is “germ”?
“Germ” is a noun.
Where does the word “germ” come from?
The word “germ” comes from Latin. From Latin germen, meaning "bud, seed, or embryo" — the same root gives us "germinate.".
Is “germ” a common word?
“Germ” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “germ” have?
“Germ” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a microorganism, especially one that causes disease, such as a bacterium or virus.
