germ

noun6

1. •
   The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud, spore, or zygote.
2. •
   A pathogen: a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus.

   • 'This again,' said the Bacteriologist, slipping a glass slide under the microscope, 'is a preparation of the celebrated Bacillus of cholera - the cholera germ.' — 1895
3. •
   (figurative) The origin or earliest version of an idea or project.

   • Now all his ponderings, however excursive, wheeled round Isabel as their center; and back to her they came again from every excursion; and again derived some new, small germs for wonderment. — 1852
4. •
   The embryo of a seed, especially of a seed used as a cereal or grain. See Wikipedia article on cereal germ.
5. •
   The small mass of cells from which a part of an organism develops, or a macroscopic but immature form of that part; a bud.

   • surgical removal of germs of wisdom teeth
6. •
   An equivalence class that includes a specified function defined in an open neighborhood.

verb2

1. •
   To germinate.

   • Thus tempted, the lust to avenge me / Germed inly and grew. — 1909
2. •
   (slang) To grow, as if parasitic.

   • I’m addicted, want to germ inside your love — 2011

noun1

1. •
   (slang, offensive) a German person.