/dʒɜːrm/
germ
BrE /dʒɜːm/
NAmE /dʒɜːrm/
[C, usually pl.]
a very small living thing that can cause infection and disease
Disinfectant kills germs.
Dirty hands can be a breeding ground for germs.
[sing.]
~ of sth
an early stage of the development of sth
Here was the germ of a brilliant idea.
[C] (biology)
the part of a plant or an animal that can develop into a new one
➡ see also wheatgerm