germ
/dʒɜ:m; dʒəm/ 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.