pathogen

noun

path·​o·​gen ˈpa-thə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease

Examples of pathogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Numerous surfaces and pooled water in non-food contact areas of the facility tested positive for Listeria bacteria, a potentially deadly food pathogen behind an outbreak linked to Boar's Head meat last year. Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025 In some cases, the heat activates dormant pathogens, significantly increasing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Many of the pests and pathogens that stalk your garden are seasonal, i.e. appear only at certain times of the year. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025 The decision to infect someone with a pathogen needs to be outweighed by clear and obvious benefits, said Angela Huttner, an infectious disease physician at Geneva University Hospital in Switzerland. Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pathogen 

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathogen was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near pathogen

Cite this Entry

“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

Medical Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen ˈpath-ə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease

More from Merriam-Webster on pathogen

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