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
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In addition, cane wounds caused by the thorns on crossing canes allow fungal pathogens to enter the cane, which can open the plant up to cane disease. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 Public health officials can detect the presence of pathogens shed by all individuals through wastewater testing, including those who are asymptomatic and consequently not seeking treatment. Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 30 Dec. 2024 According to Pfizer, viruses most commonly enter through the respiratory tract, including the nose and mouth, making this the primary route for pathogens such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 The main vector that transfers the pathogen between humans is the midge Culicoides paraensis, which is the size of the head of a pin and is found from Argentina up to the United States. Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 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 18 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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