The theory that living organisms can be produced only by the development of living germs. Cf. Biogenesis, Abiogenesis.
The theory which attributes contagious and infectious diseases, suppurative lesions, etc., to the agency of germs, i.e. pathogenic microorganisms. The science of bacteriology was developed after this theory had been established.
The theory that germs cause disease, often by infection through the air
(n) the theory that disease is caused primarily by pathological microorganism or "germs"
the theory that infectious or contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms (germs)
The general view in medicine that disease is caused by infection of the body by minute organisms and viruses.
(medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms
a theory in medicine that infectious diseases result from the action of microorganisms.
A theory in medicine, widely accepted today, that infections, contagious diseases, and other conditions are caused by the actions of microorganisms.
the idea, contrary to miasmatic theory, that disease was spread through filth and not caused by it. (p. 791)
The medical theory that infectious diseases result from the action of microorganisms.
