Germ
that from which anything springs; the origin, source, or first principle of anything. In physiology and botany, the earliest stage in the existence of an organized being, the embryo or bud from which such a being develops; used either of plants or of animals. of man-on-lā'), a town in the department of Seine-et-Oise, France, on a hill adjoining the Seine, 6 miles N. of Versailles, and 9 W. by N. of Paris. Manufactures, horse-hair goods and leather. It is chiefly noted for its noble palace, originally built by Charles V. in 1370; reconstructed by Francis I.; and embellished by many succeeding sovereigns, especially Louis XIV., who added to it five extensive pavilions, and constructed the fine terrace which extends from it for a distance of 1½ miles. Charles IX. and Henry II., as well as Louis XIV., were born in this palace. It was the residence of Mlle. de la Vallière; and James II. of England, with most of his family, passed their exile, and died in it.
It is now used as barracks and a military prison.