germ
germ /dʒ'ɜːrm/ (germs)
1 [N-COUNT]
A germ is a very small organism that causes disease.
Chlorine is widely used to kill germs.
...a germ that destroyed hundreds of millions of lives.
2 [N-SING] N of n
The germ of something such as an idea is something which developed or might develop into that thing.
The germ of an idea took root in Rosemary's mind...
3
see also wheatgermgerm war|fare
[N-UNCOUNT]
Germ warfare is the use of germs in a war in order to cause disease in enemy troops, or to destroy crops that they might use as food.
...an international treaty banning germ warfare.
1 [N-COUNT]
A germ is a very small organism that causes disease.
Chlorine is widely used to kill germs.
...a germ that destroyed hundreds of millions of lives.
2 [N-SING] N of n
The germ of something such as an idea is something which developed or might develop into that thing.
The germ of an idea took root in Rosemary's mind...
3
see also wheatgermgerm war|fare
[N-UNCOUNT]
Germ warfare is the use of germs in a war in order to cause disease in enemy troops, or to destroy crops that they might use as food.
...an international treaty banning germ warfare.