"germ" Definition

Definitions for the word "germ" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
That which is to develop a new individual; as, the germ of a fetus, of a plant or flower, and the like; the earliest form under which an organism appears.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
That from which anything springs; origin; first principle; as, the germ of civil liberty.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To germinate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
1 micro-organism, esp. One causing disease. 2 portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one; rudiment of an animal or plant in seed (wheat germ). 3 thing that may develop; elementary principle. germy adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin germen sprout]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "germ" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "germ" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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