germ theory
- Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
- Biology. biogenesis.
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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
germ theory
- 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
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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
- The doctrine holding that infectious diseases are caused by the activity of microorganisms within the body.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.