germer

to germinate, to sprout

verb zhehr-MEH Rare

Origin: Latin 'germinare' (to sprout)

Also means

to take root (of an idea)

Usage Note

Germer is used literally for seeds sprouting and figuratively for ideas or plans beginning to develop. The noun is germe ('germ, seed, sprout'). A common figurative phrase is une idée a germé dans son esprit ('an idea germinated in his mind').

Examples

"Les graines commencent à germer au printemps."

Natural Translation

The seeds begin to germinate in spring.

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