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germ theory
noun
: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms
Examples of germ theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the time, however, germ theory was still in its infancy, and doctors did not yet have antibiotics at their disposal.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024
It’s named after inventor James Salisbury, a pioneer of germ theory and diets that helped combat digestive illnesses during the 19th century.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023
Dominique Janee: This was before doctors knew much about germ theory of disease.
—Dominique Janee, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2023
However, Pasteur also gave weight to Ignaz Semmelweis’ controversial germ theory of disease stating that microbes have the capacity to cause pathological effects on our human health [3].
—Anthony Martin, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2016
American confidence in both science and transparency dates back to the Progressive era, the period from around 1890 through World War I, when germ theory took hold and began to transform public health, medical care, and expectations about disease control.
—Amy Lauren Fairchild, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2020
At that point, new microscopy technology and the germ theory of disease had revolutionized medicine.
—Hillary Waterman, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2016
Or that Louis Pasteur, the chemist who proved the germ theory of disease, also busted the myth of life on Mars?
—Annalee Newitz, Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2023
Scientists had yet to discover germ theory, so no one knew what a virus was.
—Hannah Seo, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'germ theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1863, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near germ theory
Cite this Entry
“Germ theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ%20theory. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
germ theory
noun
: the theory that infectious and contagious disease results from the action of living things
Medical Definition
germ theory
noun
: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions (as suppurative lesions) result from the action of microorganisms
More from Merriam-Webster on germ theory
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about germ theory
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