World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesGerm
/dʒɜːm/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A microorganism, especially one that causes disease.
"The doctor explained how germs can spread through the air and contaminate surfaces." - 2
A seed or bud; a source or origin of something.
"The idea was just a germ of a thought that developed into a full-fledged project."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'germen', meaning a shoot, sprout, or bud, entering English in the 15th century. By the 19th century, the meaning shifted biologically to describe a microorganism capable of causing disease.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Germ"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Germ" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
germe
Transliteration: ʒɛʁm
"Les germes peuvent se propager facilement dans les lieux publics."
Keim
Transliteration: kaɪm
"Keime können durch Berührung von Oberflächen übertragen werden."
germe
Transliteration: ˈdʒɛrme
"I germi possono causare molte malattie."
germen
Transliteration: ˈxermen
"Los gérmenes se propagan a través del contacto."
germe
Transliteration: ˈʒɛʁmi
"Os germes podem causar infecções."
जीवाणु
Transliteration: jīvāṇu
"जीवाणु कई बीमारियों का कारण बन सकते हैं।"
细菌
Transliteration: xìjūn
"细菌可以通过空气传播。"
세균
Transliteration: segyeon
"세균은 공기를 통해 퍼질 수 있습니다."
細菌
Transliteration: saikin
"細菌は空気を通じて広がることがあります。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Germ"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.