Skip to content

What is another word for Germ? – 199 Germ Synonyms

    Need another word for Germ? Use these synonyms of Germ from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    microbe organism bacterium virus pathogen germ cell spore seed embryo cell nucleus particle entity body agent contagion infection disease plague pestilence epidemic outbreak microorganism parasite fungus protozoan prion toxin allergen irritant contaminant pollutant impurity taint stain spot blight canker sore lesion wound abscess boil pustule cyst tumor growth nodule swelling lump bump protuberance excrescence

    Meaning of Germ

    The primary meaning of the word "Germ" refers to a microorganism, especially one that causes disease.

    Definitions

    • A microorganism, especially one that causes disease
    • A small mass of cells from which a new individual or part of an individual develops
    • A part of a seed that grows into a new plant

    Etymology of Germ

    The word "Germ" comes from the Old French word "germe", meaning bud or sprout, which is derived from the Latin word "germen", meaning sprout or bud
    Historically, the term was used to describe the earliest stage of development in an organism, and later came to be used to describe microorganisms, especially those that cause disease

    Example Uses

    • The germ of an idea is often difficult to develop into a fully formed concept
    • The doctor warned us about the germ that was going around and advised us to get vaccinated
    • The germ of a seed grows into a new plant under the right conditions

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    health wellness cleanliness purity sterility sanitation hygiene innocuousness harmlessness safety security protection immunity antidote remedy cure treatment prevention neutralizer stabilizer calmness serenity peace tranquility cleanliness freshness wholesomeness salubrity benignity innocuity

    Related Nouns

    microorganism cell nucleus particle entity body agent contagion infection disease plague pestilence epidemic outbreak organism parasite fungus protozoan prion toxin allergen irritant contaminant pollutant impurity taint stain spot blight canker sore lesion wound abscess boil pustule cyst tumor growth nodule swelling lump bump

    Related Verbs

    infect contaminate pollute taint stain spread transmit convey carry bear nurture cultivate grow develop thrive flourish multiply reproduce evolve change mutate adapt respond react interact influence affect impact impair damage harm destroy

    Related Adjectives

    microscopic tiny small minute infinitesimal invisible hidden latent dormant active virulent pathogenic contagious infectious diseased polluted contaminated tainted stained spoiled rotten decayed festering suppurating malignant benign harmless innocuous neutral sterile clean pure fresh wholesome salubrious healthy robust strong resilient resistant immune