germ (noun)
1germ — noun ADJECTIVE ▪ deadly ▪ The epidemic was caused by a deadly germ. ▪ drug resistant, resistant ▪ flu, strep (AmE), typhoid …
2germ — ► NOUN 1) a micro organism, especially one which causes disease. 2) a portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one or part of one. 3) an initial stage from which something may develop: the germ of an idea. ORIGIN Latin germen seed …
3germ plasm — noun the protoplasm of the germ cells that contains chromosomes and genes • Syn: ↑plasm • Hypernyms: ↑protoplasm, ↑living substance * * * noun 1. : germ cells and their precursors regarded as bearers of hereditary characters and as at all times… …
4germ theory — noun (medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms • Topics: ↑medicine, ↑medical specialty • Hypernyms: ↑scientific theory * * * noun : a theory in medicine: infections, conta …
5germ line — noun or germ track : the sequence of cells from zygote to functional germ cell : germ plasm * * * germ line noun (biology) The cells whose descendants give rise to the gametes • • • Main Entry: ↑germ * * * …
6germ cell — noun a spermatozoon or an ovum; a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation • Syn: ↑reproductive cell, ↑sex cell • Hypernyms: ↑cell • Hyponyms: ↑gamete • Part Holonyms: ↑ …
7germ warfare — noun the use of harmful bacteria as a weapon • Syn: ↑bacteriological warfare • Hypernyms: ↑biological warfare, ↑BW, ↑biological attack, ↑biologic attack, ↑bioattack * * * noun [noncount] …
8germ´like´ — germ «jurm», noun, adjective. –n. 1. a microscopic animal, plant, or other organism, especially one that causes disease; microbe: »the germ of scarlet fever. There are many kinds of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. 2. the… …
9germ pore — noun a pore in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain through which the germ tube or pollen tube makes its exit on germination • Hypernyms: ↑stoma, ↑stomate, ↑pore * * * noun : a pore, pit, or thin area in the outer wall of a spore or pollen… …
10germ — [ dʒɜrm ] noun 1. ) count a form of bacteria that spreads disease among people or animals: Strep is very different from the germ that causes ordinary sore throats. 2. ) singular something that could develop into a greater idea or plan: the germ… …
