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

A recent study in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science threw cold water on the idea — the microbes on Ryugu almost certainly came from Earth rather than outer space.

From Salon

It is also possible for high levels of methanol to be produced by contaminating microbes during traditional ethanol fermentation.

From BBC

Despite their intended therapeutic effects on different organs, these drugs can inadvertently disrupt the balance of gut microbes, leading to potential health consequences.

From Science Daily

Unlike bacteria, the microorganism is less likely to exchange genetic material with other microbes and doesn't take up residence in the gastrointestinal tract where it could potentially disrupt microbial communities.

From Science Daily

These soil-dwelling microbes fix nitrogen for specialized plants like legumes in return for sugars and protection.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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