germ

Definition of Germ in English :

1. germ, seed, source

anything that provides inspiration for later work

2. germ

a small apparently simple structure (as a fertilized egg) from which new tissue can develop into a complete organism

3. bug, germ, microbe

a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Germ

noun

1.

a microorganism, esp one that produces disease in animals or plants

2. (often plural)

the rudimentary or initial form of something

the germs of revolution

3.

a simple structure, such as a fertilized egg, that is capable of developing into a complete organism

noun

1.

the rudimentary form from which a new organism is developed; seed; bud

2.

any microscopic organism, esp. one of the bacteria, that can cause disease

3.

that from which something can develop or grow; basis

the germ of an idea

n.

1. Biology A small mass of protoplasm or cells from which a new organism or one of its parts may develop.

2. The earliest form of an organism; a seed, bud, or spore.

3. A microorganism, especially a pathogen.

4. Something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development: the germ of a project.