germ
/d͡ʒɜːm/noun
A pathogen: a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus.
Example sentence
- “the germ of civil liberty”
Related words
diseaseAn abnormal condition of a human, animal or plant that causes discomfort or dysfunction; distinct from injury insofar as the latter is usually instantaneously acquired.bacteriaA type, species, or strain of bacterium.chronicOf a problem, that continues over an extended period of time.virusA disease caused by such an infectious agent; a viral illness.acuteIntense; sensitive; sharp.outbreakAn eruption; the sudden appearance of a rash, disease, etc.