-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
pathogen
noun
path·o·gen
ˈpa-thə-jən
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Examples of pathogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
Word History
Etymology
patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis
First Known Use
1880, in the meaning defined above
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
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
More from Merriam-Webster on pathogen
Britannica English: Translation of pathogen for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pathogen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share