Advertisement

Advertisement

germ theory

noun

  1. Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
  2. Biology. biogenesis.


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


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of germ theory1

First recorded in 1870–75

Discover More

Example Sentences

Until Melching's organization started its three-year training program, no one knew the basics of germ theory—or its link to HIV.

The late Dr. Virchow, the great pathologist and the discoverer of the germ theory, was an active opponent of Evolution.

Many fevers, if the germ theory or the poison theory be correct, are cured when the germs die, or the poison is eliminated.

Pasteur and others have discovered and explained the germ theory of disease and to what extent it is due to impure water.

When the germ theory was exhausted the bicycle craze took its place.

Without the germ theory, I venture to say, no rational explanation of it could have been given.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement