the germ of an idea
1The Germ (periodical) — to disseminate their ideas. It was not a success, only existing for four issues between January and April 1850. The Germ published poetry by William Michael Rossetti (who also edited the magazine) and other members of the Brotherhood, including… …
2germ — [dʒə:m US dʒə:rm] n [Date: 1400 1500; : French; Origin: germe, from Latin germen seed, bud, germ , from gignere; GENITAL] 1.) a very small living thing that can make you ill →↑bacteria ▪ Put disinfectant down the toilet to kill any germs. 2.) …
3germ — [ 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… …
4germ — [jʉrm] n. [ME germe, a bud, sprout < OFr < L germen, sprig, bud, germ, embryo < IE * gen men (> Sans janiman , birth, origin) < base * ĝen : see GENUS] 1. the rudimentary form from which a new organism is developed; seed; bud 2.… …
5germ — ► 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 …
6idea — noun 1 plan/suggestion ADJECTIVE ▪ bright, brilliant, clever, excellent, good, great, marvellous/marvelous, nice, wonderful ▪ …
7germ — [[t]ʤɜ͟ː(r)m[/t]] germs 1) N COUNT A germ is a very small organism that causes disease. Chlorine is widely used to kill germs. ...a germ that destroyed hundreds of millions of lives. 2) N SING: N of n The germ of something such as an idea is… …
8germ — [17] As its close relatives germane and germinate [17] suggest, germ has more to do etymologically with ‘sprouting’ and ‘coming to life’ than with ‘disease’. It comes via Old French germe from Latin germen ‘sprout, offshoot’, which may go back… …
9germ — noun (C) 1 not technical a bacterium (bacteria) that can make you ill: This disinfectant kills all known germs. 2 the germ of an idea/theory/feeling etc the early stage of an idea, feeling etc that may develop into something bigger and more… …
10germ — [17] As its close relatives germane and germinate [17] suggest, germ has more to do etymologically with ‘sprouting’ and ‘coming to life’ than with ‘disease’. It comes via Old French germe from Latin germen ‘sprout, offshoot’, which may go back… …
