/dʒɜ:m; dʒɝm/
n
1 [C] portion of a living organism capable of becoming a new organism; embryo of a seed 胚芽; 芽孢; 胚.
2 [C] micro-organism, esp one capable of causing disease 微生物; 细菌; （尤指）病菌
*Disinfectant kills germs. 消毒剂可杀菌.
* [attrib 作定语] germ warfare, ie the use of harmful bacteria as a weapon of war 细菌战.
3 [sing] the ~ of sth (fig 比喻) beginning from which sth may develop （某物的）发端, 起源, 萌芽
*the germ of an idea 一种想法的发端.

n[C]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: French;Origin: germe, from Latin germen 'seed, bud, germ', from gignere; GENITAL]
a very small living thing that can make you ill
→bacteria
　Put disinfectant down the toilet to kill any germs.
the germ of an idea/theory/feeling etc
the early stage of an idea, feeling etc that may develop into something bigger and more important
　The germ of a story began to form in his mind.
technical the part of a plant or animal that can develop into a new plant or animal
　germ cells containing DNA
→wheatgerm, germ warfare