Gĕrm, n.

(14), n. [Fr. germe, Pr. germ, germe, It. germe, Sp. germen, Lat. germen, for germen, from gerere, to bear, produce.] [Written also germe.] 1. (Physiol.) That which is to develop an embryo; a point of growth; an ovary; a bud; as, the germ of a fetus, of a plant or flower, and the like. In the entire process in which a new being originates . . . two distinct classes of action participate; namely, the act of generation by which the germ is produced; and the act of development, by which that germ is evolved into the complete organism. Carpenter. 2. That from which any thing springs; origin; first principle; as, the germ of civil liberty, or of prosperity.