I think it comes from the word germen.
The word "germ" would come before the word "germinate" in the dictionary, as words are typically listed in alphabetical order.
germ free
A germ cell is another word for a sex cell, either sperm or eggs as well as a pathogen or bacterium
The word "germ" can be a noun. It refers to a microorganism, especially one causing disease.
The word "germ" has three phonemes: /g/ /er/ /m/.
Germ
germ
germ and gernla
Microbes
Microorganism
One that causes disease
sterile, aseptic