germ
- n anything that provides inspiration for later work
- n a small apparently simple structure (as a fertilized egg) from which new tissue can develop into a complete organism
- n a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use
germ cell
- n a spermatozoon or an ovum; a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation
germ layer
- n (embryology) any of the 3 layers of cells differentiated in embryos following gastrulation
germ plasm
- n the protoplasm of the germ cells that contains chromosomes and genes
germ pore
- n a pore in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain through which the germ tube or pollen tube makes its exit on germination
germ theory
- n (medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms
germ tube
- n (botany) a slender tubular outgrowth from a spore in germination
german american
- n an American who was born in Germany or whose ancestors were German
german bee
- n dark-colored ill-tempered honeybee supposedly of German origin
german chamomile
- n annual Eurasian herb similar in fragrance and medicinal uses to chamomile though taste is more bitter and effect is considered inferior
german cockroach
- n small light-brown cockroach brought to United States from Europe; a common household pest