Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

germ theory

See more synonyms for germ theory on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
  2. Biology. biogenesis.
Show More

Origin of germ theory

First recorded in 1870–75
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for germ theory

Historical Examples

  • The Aryan germ-theory has, however, the merit of explaining resemblances between many myths of different Aryan nations.

    The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911)

    Charles Mills Gayley

British Dictionary definitions for germ theory

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
Show More
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
germ theory in Medicine

germ theory

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