microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈō-tə 

: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1

It's very possible that the master key to unlocking chronic disease will turn out to be the health and composition of the microbiota in your gut.

—Michael Pollan and Ruth Reichl

microbiotic

ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈä-tik 

adjective

the microbiotic environment of the gut

Examples of microbiota in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

May Support Gut Health Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your gut, including the bacteria that inhabit your digestive system, collectively known as your gut microbiota. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): These are produced when gut microbiota ferments (breaks down) carbohydrates in plant foods. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

Medications can produce rectal discharge by changing the physiology of your GI tract, causing tissue damage such as ulcers, changing your intestinal microbiota, or through unknown means. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

This extract contains hemicellulose, an anti-inflammatory that supports healthy skin microbiota growth. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

micro- + biota

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta -bī-ˈōt-ə 

: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1

The more we learn about our microbiota, however, the more we realize how easy it is for helpful microbes to get caught in the line of fire between an antibiotic and its intended target.

—Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic

… the microbiota on the tongue differ from those species living in plaque on teeth.

—Mel Rosenberg, Scientific American

microbiotic

-bī-ˈät-ik 

adjective

microbiotic life