germ
n
1 [C] portion of a living organism capable of becoming a new organism; embryo of a seed 胚芽; 芽孢; 胚.
2 [C] micro-organism, esp one capable of causing disease 微生物; 细菌; (尤指)病菌
Disinfectant kills germs. 消毒剂可杀菌.
[attrib 作定语]
germ warfare, ie the use of harmful bacteria as a weapon of war 细菌战.
3 [sing] the ~ of sth (fig 比喻) beginning from which sth may develop (某物的)发端, 起源, 萌芽
the germ of an idea 一种想法的发端.
After the accident, all the lines and taps were clearly marked and new people joining the workforce were given a talk on safety before they started work.