Crossword Genius

Tiny organisms that get right inside stones (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

germs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tiny organisms' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'get right inside stones' is the wordplay.
'get right' becomes 'r' (I've seen this in other clues).
'inside' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'stones' becomes 'gems' (precious stones).
'r' inserted inside 'gems' is 'GERMS'.

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for germs that I've seen before include "Starts" , "Bacteria" , "sprouts" , "Seeds; microbes" , "Causes of disease" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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