germ
Idea's earliest form
A germ is a microorganism that causes disease—bacteria, viruses, and the like: Wash your hands to kill germs.
More broadly, germ means the origin or seed of something: the germ of an idea, wheat germ (the nutritious core of the grain).
The germ is what grows into something larger.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- microbeMicroscopic living organism
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
contagion · infectious · contamination · antibiotics · antiseptic · disinfectant · sterilization · hygiene
Embryonic plant capsule
- kernelSeed or essential core
- beginningInitial stage of something
- sourcePoint of origin
- rootUnderground absorbing structure
origin · genesis · inception · nucleus · embryo · spark · idea · concept
Disorder impairing normal function
- sicknessBodily disorder or disease
- illnessState of poor health
- feverElevated body temperature
- symptomIndicator of disease
spread · transmission · outbreak · epidemic · pandemic · quarantine · contagious · communicable
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- microbeMicroscopic living organism
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
infection · contagion · infectious · contamination · antibiotics · antiseptic · disinfectant · sterilization · hygiene · sanitation
seed
Embryonic plant capsule
root · origin · genesis · inception · nucleus · embryo · spark · idea · concept · essence
disease
Disorder impairing normal function
symptom · spread · transmission · outbreak · epidemic · pandemic · quarantine · contagious · communicable · infection
sprout
New plant emergence
embryo · seed · kernel · endosperm · cotyledon · radicle · plumule · sprouting · grain · malt
germconclusion
End or deduction
culmination · fruition · completion · end product · result
- German occupationMilitary seizure of territory
- German shepherdsBreed used by police
- German musicCompositions from Deutschland
- German pretzelTwisted salted bread knot
- German passportFederal Republic travel document
- German literatureBooks from Deutschland
germs, Germany, German, germane, germinate, germination, germinating, germicide, germinal