Lexic.us

Definition of Germ

1. Noun. Anything that provides inspiration for later work.

2. Noun. A small apparently simple structure (as a fertilized egg) from which new tissue can develop into a complete organism.

3. Noun. A minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use.

Definition of Germ

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.

2. v. i. To germinate.

3. n. The germ cells, collectively, as distinguished from the somatic cells, or soma. Germ is often used in place of germinal to form phrases; as, germ area, germ disc, germ membrane, germ nucleus, germ sac, etc.

Definition of Germ

1. a microorganism that causes disease [n -S]

Medical Definition of Germ

1. 1. That which is to develop a new individual; as, the germ of a foetus, of a plant or flower, and the like; the earliest form under which an organism appears. "In the entire process in which a new being originates . Two distinct classes of action participate; namely, the act of generation by which the germ is produced; and the act of development, by which that germ is evolved into the complete organism." (Carpenter) 2. That from which anything springs; origin; first principle; as, the germ of civil liberty. Disease germ, the theory that living organisms can be produced only by the evolution or development of living germs or seeds. See Biogenesis, and Abiogenesis. As applied to the origin of disease, the theory claims that the zymotic diseases are due to the rapid development and multiplication of various bacteria, the germs or spores of which are either contained in the organism itself, or transferred through the air or water. See Fermentation theory. Origin: F. Germe, fr. L. Germen, germinis, sprout, but, germ. Cf. Germen, Germane. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Germ

geriatric dentistry geriatric medicine geriatric nursing geriatric psychiatry geriatric therapy gerl Gerlach's annular tendon Gerlach's tonsil Gerlach's valve Gerlach's valvula

gerle gerles Gerlier's disease gerlind germ (current term) germ (current term) germ-free animal germ-free isolator germ-free life germ-line mutation

germain germaine germaines germains german German German-American German-speaking germander germander

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