germ

From WikiWord, the free dictionary

/d͡ʒɜːm/ English

Definitions

noun

The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud or spore.
A pathogenic microorganism.
The embryo of a seed, especially of a seed used as a cereal or grain. See Wikipedia article on cereal germ.
The origin of an idea or project.“the germ of civil liberty”

verb

To germinate.
To grow, as if parasitic.

Related words

Synonyms

seed microbe bug source sprout germination germinal spore microbial microorganism bacterium bacterial bacteria bacteriological organism plasm

Associated

endoderm ectoderm teratoma mesoderm gastrulation gonads somatic gametes meiosis testis pore

Rhymes

affirm firm infirm confirm reaffirm term squirm berm longterm sperm

References