definitions

germ theory

|

noun

Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
Biology. biogenesis.

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Nearby words

germ cell, germ layer, germ line, germ membrane, germ plasm, germ theory, germ tube, germ warfare, germain, germaine, german

Origin of germ theory

First recorded in 1870–75
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for germ theory

British Dictionary definitions for germ theory

germ theory

noun

the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms
the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for germ theory

germ theory

n.

The doctrine holding that infectious diseases are caused by the activity of microorganisms within the body.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.