germ

noun

1. The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote.
2. The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote.

   “surgical removal of germs of wisdom teeth”

3. A pathogen: a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus.

   “'This again,' said the Bacteriologist, slipping a glass slide under the microscope, 'is a preparation of the celebrated Bacillus of cholera - the cholera germ.'”

4. (figuratively)The origin or earliest version of an idea or project.

   “the germ of civil liberty”

   “Now all his ponderings, however excursive, wheeled round Isabel as their center; and back to her they came again from every excursion; and again derived some new, small germs for wonderment.”

   “What greatness had not floated on the ebb of that river into the mystery of an unknown earth? - the dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empires.”

5. An equivalence class that includes a specified function defined in an open neighborhood.
6. (UK, derogatory, slang)a German person.

verb

1. To germinate.

   “Thus tempted, the lust to avenge me / Germed inly and grew.”

2. (slang)To grow, as if parasitic.

   “I’m addicted, want to germ inside your love”