Word
germ
US/ˈdʒɝm/
UK/dʒˈɜːm/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a tiny living thing that can cause disease. You cannot see them without a microscope, but they are everywhere.
n. a microorganism, especially one which causes disease. Often used in a non-technical sense to refer to bacteria or viruses that spread illness.
Examples
“Wash your hands to get rid of germs.”
“The school nurse taught the children that covering their mouths when they cough prevents germs from spreading to their classmates.”
“While most people associate the word with illness, only a small fraction of known germs actually cause disease in humans, with many others playing vital roles in the ecosystem.”
Examples
simple
“Wash your hands to get rid of germs.”
contextual
“The school nurse taught the children that covering their mouths when they cough prevents germs from spreading to their classmates.”
complex
“While most people associate the word with illness, only a small fraction of known germs actually cause disease in humans, with many others playing vital roles in the ecosystem.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural form when referring to hygiene or illness.
Etymology
From Middle French germe, from Latin germen (“bud, seed, embryo”). Doublet of germen.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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