germ
//dʒɜːm//
Noun
germSingular
germsPlural
1
A microorganism, especially one that causes disease.
Wash your hands to get rid of germs.
2
The origin or initial stage of something that may develop further.
This idea was the germ of a great invention.
3
The embryo of a seed, especially of a cereal grain.
Wheat germ is rich in vitamins and nutrients.