wheat germ

American  

noun

1. the embryo or nucleus of the wheat kernel, used in or on foods as a concentrated source of vitamins.

---

wheat germ British  

noun

1. the vitamin-rich embryo of the wheat kernel, which is largely removed before milling and is used in cereals, as a food supplement, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of wheat germ

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

Moran frequently makes a vegan “meatloaf” that reminds her of her grandmother’s, replacing the chopped meat with a mixture of rice, mushrooms, walnuts, and wheat germ.

From National Geographic • Oct. 19, 2023

When it comes to wheat, that means sniffing out wheat germ, the embryo inside the seed that develops into the plant.

From Science Magazine • May 22, 2023

These include alcohol, fermented foods, dairy products, shellfish, processed meats and aged cheese, as well as wheat germ and a range of fruit and vegetables.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2023

“You think I’d leave my team behind? After surviving Fleecy’s wheat germ, running from cannibals, and hiding under blue giant butts in Alaska? Come on!”

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan