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.
The output of this test is a strip with a series of bands that indicate how the pathogen reacts to different medications. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Dec. 2024 Not only that, the extra mucus production also creates a flow to help wash the pathogens away, Chandra said. Korin Miller, Health, 18 Dec. 2024 Microbiome diversity is known to affect host fitness: low diversity can lead to immune issues and poor nutrient absorption, whilst high diversity can boost resilience to stress and pathogens. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The simplest way to think of the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is that cleaning eliminates contaminants like dirt, grease, or food, while disinfecting eliminates pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!