c. 1600, probably a back-formation from germination. Figurative use from 1640s. Related: Germinated; germinating. Earlier germynen (mid-15c.) was from Old French germiner or directly from Latin germinare.
the plentiful rain germinated my plants
Germanic
germanium
Germany
germicide
germinal
germinate
germination
germy
Geronimo
gerontocracy
gerontologist
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