Germ theory Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun (medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms
WordNet
Definitions
(Biol.) , the theory that living organisms can be produced only by the evolution or development of living germs or seeds. SeeBiogenesis , andAbiogenesis . As applied to the origin of disease, the theory claims that the zymotic diseases are due to the rapid development and multiplication of various bacteria, the germs or spores of which are either contained in the organism itself, or transferred through the air or water. SeeFermentation theory .