Germe (en. Germ)

/ʒɛʁm/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

The embryonic part of a plant that develops into a new plant.

The seed germ begins to develop when it is watered.

Le germe de la graine commence à se développer quand il est arrosé.

Microorganism (such as bacteria or viruses) capable of causing infections.

Germs are responsible for many contagious diseases.

Les germes sont responsables de nombreuses maladies contagieuses.

Beginning of an idea or a project.

The germ of a new invention can arise at any moment.

Le germe d'une nouvelle invention peut surgir à tout moment.

From the Latin 'germen', which means 'germination' or 'bud'.

germ of the idea

Origin or beginning of a thought or concept.

germe de l'idée

to have potential

To be in the process of development or evolution.

avoir du germe

germ of disease

Pathogenic agent responsible for an infection.

germe de maladie

to germinate

Action of beginning to develop.

germer

germination

Process by which a seed begins to grow.

germination

microbe

Microscopic organism that can be pathogenic.

microbe

Sometimes used in the sense of something that is harmless.

Don't worry, it's just a germ of an idea.

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'est juste un germe d'idée.

Term used to refer to a person gripped by doubts or hesitations.

He has a few germs of worry before the exam.

Il a quelques germes d'inquiétude avant l'examen.