germ theory


noun

Pathology. the theory that infectious diseases are due to the agency of germs or microorganisms.
Biology. biogenesis.

Origin of germ theory

First recorded in 1870–75

Example sentences from the Web for germ theory

British Dictionary definitions for germ theory

germ theory

noun

the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms
the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells

Medical definitions for germ theory

germ theory

n.

The doctrine holding that infectious diseases are caused by the activity of microorganisms within the body.