Germ (Noun)

Meaning ¹

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

Classification

Nouns denoting body parts.

Hypernyms

• Complex Body Part
• Bodily Structure
• Body Structure
• Anatomical Structure

Related Words

• Germinate (verb)

Meaning ²

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

Classification

Nouns denoting animals.

Synonyms

• Bug
• Microbe

Hypernyms

• Micro-organism
• Microorganism

Related Words

• Germy (adjective)

Meaning ³

Anything that provides inspiration for later work.

Classification

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.

Synonyms

• Seed
• Source

Hypernyms

• Inspiration

Hyponyms

• Muse
• Taproot

Related Words

• Germinal (adjective)
• Germinate (verb)