French word

germe

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒɛʁm/

Meaning

  • masculine noungerm

Example

Il y a des germes sur cette planche à découper.

There are germs on this cutting board.

Illustration for germe (germ)

More examples

Les germes dans les aliments peuvent provoquer une intoxication alimentaire.

Germs in food can cause food poisoning.

Core concept

A first living formation, like a young shoot or a minute organism that can start further growth or disease.

Common phrases

  • germes dans les aliments

    germs in food

  • germes intestinaux

    intestinal germs

Similar words

microbe: A general term for a microscopic living organism.
bactérie: A single-celled organism, some types of which cause decay or infection.
virus: A tiny pathogen that multiplies inside another living organism and causes disease.
moisissure: A fuzzy mold growth on food or other surfaces.

Definition in French

Partie jeune d'une plante, petit bourgeon ou jeune pousse; par extension, petite structure embryonnaire et, en biologie moderne, organisme microscopique pouvant être pathogène.

Word origin

The French noun germe developed from Latin germen through inherited French usage, while scientific language broadened it from plant beginnings to biological agents.

Usage tips

  • The final e in germe is silent, and its singular and plural forms have the same pronunciation: germe and germes.

Other meanings

  • pathogennoun

Opposites

Related words

  • germinationgerminationnoun
  • germicidegermicidenoun

Word lists with this word