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germ

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(jʉrm)

noun

the rudimentary form from which a new organism is developed; seed; bud
any microscopic organism, esp. one of the bacteria, that can cause disease
that from which something can develop or grow; basis: the germ of an idea

Origin: ME germe, a bud, sprout < OFr < L germen, sprig, bud, germ, embryo < IE *gen-men (> Sans janiman-, birth, origin) < base *ĝen-: see genus

See germ in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Biology A small mass of protoplasm or cells from which a new organism or one of its parts may develop.
The earliest form of an organism; a seed, bud, or spore.
A microorganism, especially a pathogen.
Something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development: the germ of a project.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, bud

Origin: , from Old French germe

Origin: , from Latin germen; see genə- in Indo-European roots

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