pathogenic

[ path-uh-jen-ik ]

adjective

1. Pathology. capable of producing disease:

   pathogenic bacteria.

pathogenic

/ ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. able to cause or produce disease

   pathogenic bacteria

pathogenic

1. A descriptive term for a thing or condition that can cause disease.

Other Words From

• anti·patho·genic adjective
• nonpath·o·genic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pathogenic¹

First recorded in 1850–55; patho- + -genic

Example Sentences

A July 29 email reflects the absence of information when some farm owners don’t wish to correspond with public health departments about potential cases of bird flu, also called HPAI, for “highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

From Salon

A current strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has become a global problem.

From Salon

In late August, cows at three dairy farms in the Central Valley displayed symptoms for highly pathogenic avian influenza and later tested positive, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

From Salon

He eventually tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza Type A H5N1, also known as bird flu.

From Salon

“The ‘highly pathogenic’ term for avian influenza viruses refers to severity in birds.”

From Salon