germ theory

noun

1. Pathology.,  the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.

2. Biology.,  biogenesis.

germ theory

noun

1. the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms

2. the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells

Word History and Origins

Origin of germ theory¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tells us he doesn’t believe in germ theory but does believe in “chemtrails,” while suggesting that the measles vaccine contains aborted fetuses.

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It’s these forces that are allowing us to grind basic tenets like germ theory and fluoridation into the woodchipper.

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Boosted by the discovery of germ theory in the mid-1800s, these departments prevented disease through large-scale projects.

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Kennedy has spent two decades diving so far down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole that he now sounds like he doubts even basic germ theory.

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For a man who claims it's time for a "break" in medical research into infectious disease, it was likely an irritating irony to present such a compelling reminder of the validity of germ theory.

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