- germ theory
- noun Date: 1870 a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
germ theory
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Germ theory — Germ Germ (j[ e]rm), n. [F. germe, fr. L. germen, germinis, sprout, but, germ. Cf. {Germen}, {Germane}.] 1. (Biol.) That which is to develop a new individual; as, the germ of a fetus, of a plant or flower, and the like; the earliest form under… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Germ theory — 1. (Biol.) The theory that living organisms can be produced only by the development of living germs. Cf. {Biogenesis}, {Abiogenesis}. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] 2. (Med.) The theory which attributes contagious and infectious diseases, suppurative… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
germ theory — n a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions (as suppurative lesions) result from the action of microorganisms * * * the doctrine that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms … Medical dictionary
germ theory — n. the theory that diseases are transmitted by specific germs, or microorganisms, as has been proved for many infectious diseases … English World dictionary
germ theory — noun (medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms • Topics: ↑medicine, ↑medical specialty • Hypernyms: ↑scientific theory * * * noun : a theory in medicine: infections, conta … Useful english dictionary
germ theory — 1. Pathol. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms. 2. Biol. biogenesis. [1870 75] * * * Theory that certain diseases are caused by invasion of the body by microorganisms. Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister … Universalium
germ theory — germ′ the ory n. 1) pat the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms 2) bio biogenesis • Etymology: 1870–75 … From formal English to slang
Germ theory of disease — The germ theory, also called the pathogenic theory of medicine, is a theory that proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases. Although highly controversial when first proposed, it is now a cornerstone of modern medicine and… … Wikipedia
germ theory — /ˈdʒɜm θɪəri/ (say jerm thearree) noun 1. Biology the theory that living matter cannot be produced by evolution or development from non living matter, but is necessarily produced from germs or seeds; the doctrine of biogenesis. 2. Pathology the… …
GERM THEORY — the doctrine that certain diseases are due to fermentation caused by the presence of germs in the system in the form of minute organisms called bacteria … The Nuttall Encyclopaedia
