germane

Germane is an English adjective meaning closely related to or relevant to the subject under consideration. It denotes pertinence or applicability: a germane point advances the discussion; remarks that are not germane are considered off-topic in formal settings.

The word derives from Old French germain, from Latin germanus meaning "related by birth; kin." In English, its sense broadened from "kinship" to "pertinence," with the modern general sense becoming common by the early modern period.

In legislative or parliamentary contexts, germane has a specialized meaning: amendments or motions must be germane to the bill or measure to be considered. A non-germane amendment may be ruled out of order depending on the rules of procedure.

Germane can also function in more general discourse as a synonym for relevant or apposite, though it has a formal tone and is less common in everyday speech.

In chemistry, germane is the name of GeH4, the tetrahydride of the element germanium. It is a distinct technical term and unrelated to the adjective meaning.