Germ
WordNet

noun


(1)   A minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use
(2)   A small apparently simple structure (as a fertilized egg) from which new tissue can develop into a complete organism
(3)   Anything that provides inspiration for later work
WiktionaryText

Etymology


From < ; origin uncertain.

Noun



  1. The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud or spore.
  2. A pathogenic microorganism.
  3. An idea that forms the basis of some project.
  4. The embryo of a seed, especially of a seed used as a cereal or grain. See Wikipedia article on cereal germ.
 
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