Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɜːm] (IPA) 
The word "germ" is spelled with a hard "g" sound, which is phonetically represented as /ɡ/. This pronunciation is different from the soft "g" sound found in words like "gentle" and "giant". The "e" in "germ" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, represented as /ɛ/. The "r" is also pronounced, with the tip of the tongue tapping against the roof of the mouth. Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription for "germ" is /dʒɛrm/.
A germ refers to a microscopic organism that carries the potential to cause disease or infection when it enters the body of a human or animal. These organisms are usually bacteria, viruses, or fungi that have the ability to multiply and reproduce rapidly in suitable environments. Germs are present virtually everywhere, including the air, water, soil, and on surfaces in our surroundings.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can exist in various shapes and sizes. Some bacteria are beneficial, aiding in digestion or synthesizing vitamins in our bodies, while others can be harmful pathogens that result in illnesses such as strep throat or urinary tract infections. Viruses, on the other hand, are smaller than bacteria and require living hosts to survive. They invade healthy cells, reproduce inside them, and can cause diseases such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.
Fungi, which include molds and yeasts, are another type of germs. They can cause infections, especially in warm and moist areas of the body, like the skin or nails. While some fungal infections are relatively harmless, some can become chronic or potentially life-threatening, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
To prevent the spread of germs and avoid infection, it is crucial to practice proper hygiene, such as regular handwashing, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, and maintaining a clean environment.
• To germinate.
• 1. A rudiment, the earliest trace of an embryo. 2. A microbe.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That from which anything springs; origin; first principle; a bud or shoot.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "germ" has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French "germe" meaning "sprout or seed". It further traces back to the Latin "gemma" meaning "bud or sprout" and ultimately shares a common root with the Latin "gerere" meaning "to bear or carry". Over time, the term "germ" has evolved to have various meanings, including a small part or element that grows and develops into something larger or the initial stage of an organism's development.
