germ

Definition

The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote.

Etymology

From Middle French germe, from Latin germen (“bud, seed, embryo”). Doublet of germen.

Example Sentences

• "surgical removal of germs of wisdom teeth"
• "'This again,' said the Bacteriologist, slipping a glass slide under the microscope, 'is a preparation of the celebrated Bacillus of cholera - the cholera germ.'"
• "the germ of civil liberty"

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