Germs: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday conversation, especially when talking to children or non-specialists about the tiny organisms that can cause illness.

• Wash your hands to get rid of germs
• Germs can make you sick

General term for tiny organisms, often used in scientific or educational contexts to describe a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Scientists study microbes to understand their role in the environment
• Many microbes are essential for fermentation

Used in a more scientific context or when discussing specific types of germs. Often appears in medical and educational settings.

• Some bacteria are beneficial, while others can cause infections
• The bacteria were observed under a microscope

Used in scientific and medical contexts to specifically refer to microorganisms that cause disease. It often has a more technical and serious tone.

• Pathogens like Salmonella can be found in contaminated food
• The study focused on identifying new pathogens

Appropriate in everyday conversation when discussing general microscopic organisms that can cause disease.

• Wash your hands to avoid spreading germs.
• Children should be taught the importance of staying clean to prevent germs.

Commonly used in both everyday and medical conversations to describe the presence and multiplication of pathogens in the body, often resulting in illness.

• The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
• Good hygiene can prevent many common infections.

Used in more formal contexts, especially in medical or epidemiological discussions, to denote diseases that can spread from one person to another.

• Hospitals must take precautions to control contagions.
• The fear of contagion led to a city-wide quarantine.

Best used when referring to poisonous substances produced by living organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals.

• The snake's bite released a dangerous toxin.
• Certain mushrooms contain toxins that can be deadly if ingested.