Germane

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dʒɜː(ɹ)ˈmeɪn/
• Rhymes: -eɪn
• US IPA: /dʒɝˈmeɪn/
• Rhymes: -eɪn

Origin

Variant form of german, adapted in this sense in allusions to its use in Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Full definition of germane

Adjective

1. Related to the topic being discussed or considered.
• 2012, August 5, Nathan Rabin, TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “I Love Lisa” (season 4, episode 15; originally aired 02/11/1993), Valentine’s Day means different things for different people. For Homer, it means forking over a hundred dollars for a dusty box of chocolates at the Kwik-E-Mart after characteristically forgetting the holiday yet again. For Ned, it’s another opportunity to prove his love for his wife. Most germane to the episode, for Lisa, Valentine’s Day means being the only person in her entire class to give Ralph a Valentine after noticing him looking crestfallen and alone at his desk.
• 1924, Aristotle, . Translated by W. D. Ross. Nashotah, Wisconsin, USA: The Classical Library, 2001, Book 1, Part 5.Yet this much is germane to the present inquiry:

Related terms

• germanely
• germaneness

Synonyms

• pertinent, relevant, on-topic, apt

Noun

1. (inorganic chemistry) germanium tetrahydride, GeH₄
2. (organic chemistry, especially in combination) Any organic derivative of this compound.

Synonyms

• germanium tetrahydride
• germanomethane
• monogermane