microbe

[ mahy-krohb ]

noun

1. a microorganism, especially a pathogenic bacterium.

microbe

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊb /

noun

1. any microscopic organism, esp a disease-causing bacterium

microbe

/ mī′krōb′ /

1. A microorganism, especially a bacterium that causes disease.
2. See Note at germ

Derived Forms

• miˈcrobial, adjective

Other Words From

• microbe·less adjective
• mi·crobi·al mi·crobic mi·crobi·an adjective
• nonmi·crobic adjective
• unmi·crobi·al adjective
• unmi·crobic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microbe¹

1880–85; < French < Greek mīkro- micro- + bíos life

Word History and Origins

Origin of microbe¹

C19: from French, from micro- + Greek bios life

Example Sentences

Their analyses revealed a variety of living and possibly active microbes in the most arid areas.

From Science Daily

Once the gut barrier is breached, even friendly microbes can stir up inflammation, causing health issues ranging from overweight to obesity, infections to autoimmune disease, and mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's.

From Salon

“We’ve got to have the right microbes in order for these locally sourced seeds to flourish,” said Ted Hartsig, a soil scientist for the engineering company Olsson, one of many contractors working on the crossing.

From Los Angeles Times

The tsunami sweeping the planet would also have brought iron-rich water from the depths to the surface, giving early microbes extra energy.

From BBC

“If you sample water in any pond anywhere on Earth, anywhere there’s moisture, you’ll find all these viruses and bacteria and microbes, writ tiny, and so it’s reasonable we’d at least find organic compounds.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bacillus
• bacterium
• bug
• germ
• microorganism
• pathogen
• virus