microorganism
Americannoun
noun
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An organism that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope and that typically consists of only a single cell. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoans, and certain algae and fungi.
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See Note at germ
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of microorganism
Explanation
A microorganism is a living thing that is too small to see with the naked eye. Bacteria and amoebas are microorganisms, and while not technically "alive," viruses are also considered microorganisms. The only way to see a microorganism is through a microscope, an instrument used to magnify images of very small things. Microorganisms are fundamental to life on Earth. They decompose dead things, recycle nutrients, aid in digestion, and strengthen our immune systems. They are a key part of biotechnology: Microorganisms are used to treat sewage, clean up pollution, and create medicines. Microorganisms are also used in making foods like bread and cheese. On the negative side, a few microorganisms are harmful, as they can cause disease. Another word for microorganism is microbe.
Vocabulary lists containing microorganism
Ecology - Matter and Energy Flow in Ecosystems- Introductory
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Ecology - Matter and Energy Flow in Ecosystems- Middle School
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Ecology - Matter and Energy Flow in Ecosystems - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The presence of terrestrial microorganism within a sample of Ryugu underlines that microorganisms are the world's greatest colonizers and adept at circumventing contamination controls,” the authors conclude.
From Salon • Nov. 24, 2024
Mr. Gutman is the founder of Primer’s Yeast, a company that sells ancient strains of the microorganism.
From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024
The microorganism also been connected to non-fatal, but sight-threatening, eye infections, sometimes through contaminated contact lens solution.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2024
Labyrinthulaceae, a harmful microorganism, was found on plastics gathered from all sampled habitats with varying degrees of abundance.
From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023
This microorganism is transmitted to the healthy birds by the feed, or water becoming contaminated with the discharges from the diseased birds.
From Common Diseases of Farm Animals by Craig, R. A., D. V. M.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
