\Germ\, n. [F. germe, fr. L. germen, germinis, sprout, but, germ. Cf. Germen, Germane.] 1. (Biol.) That which is to develop a new individual; as, the germ of a fetus, of a plant or flower, and the like; the earliest form under which an organism appears.
I am sorry amarilliss. I should have said that it is a crossword clue. _ _ _ l _. I posted the question on gardens because I thought anyone good at gardening would know.