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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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of germ theory1

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

Plus, that was also the period in which the germ theory was developed and applied in the first chlorinated water systems, and vaccines for new diseases.

From Vox

Without knowledge of the basics of germ theory, they routinely relieved themselves in their own water supplies.

From Time

At this point in medical history, germ theory was now universally accepted as “germ fact,” and scientists were discovering the causes of a long list of infectious diseases — both bacterial and viral.

Now, the germ theory of disease includes bacteria, fungi, viruses and more.

In the late 19th century, as scientists were taking in the concept of natural selection, the germ theory of disease rose to prominence.

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.

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