1. a microorganism, especially one that causes disease
2. the beginning or early stage of something
3. the part of a seed that develops into a new plant
Usage: biology

Examples

• Wash your hands frequently to kill germs.
• The flu germ spread quickly through the school.
• The germ of an idea began forming in her mind.
• That conversation planted the germ of doubt about the project.
• The wheat germ is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Scientists studied the germ inside the corn kernel.