germ theory
Americannoun
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Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
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Biology. biogenesis.
noun
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the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms
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the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells
Etymology
Origin of germ theory
First recorded in 1870–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The author appreciates what a terrific advance modern germ theory represents, but she also recognizes its tendency to generate absurd excesses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026
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.
From Salon ● Feb. 5, 2025
In the nineteenth century, Louis Pasteur’s germ theory also further shored up medical support for shaving: Facial hair, doctors warned, was a microbe haven.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 7, 2023
Dominique Janee: This was before doctors knew much about germ theory of disease.
From Scientific American ● Nov. 2, 2023
Pasteur's "germ theory" will lead to a revolution in medicine.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
