microbiome

American  

[mahy-kroh-bahy-ohm] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈbaɪ oʊm /

noun

Microbiology.

1. the totality of microorganisms and their collective genetic material present in or on the human body or in another environment.

   The wide diversity of species that make up the microbiome is hard to fathom.

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Usage

What is a microbiome? A microbiome is a full collection of microorganisms and the genetic material of a living being or a specific environment.The term microbiome is most often used in reference to the human microbiome, and people will often discuss the microbiome without specifying that they mean the human variety. However, every living being has a microbiome.The microbiome includes all of the cells that make up a living body and all of the microorganisms that exist within it that promote healthy life processes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, there are hundreds of millions of bacteria and other organisms within the body that promote digestion, protect against pathogens and disease, and extract toxins from the body. All negative or outside organisms that enter the body also effectively become a part of the microbiome and will be considered when evaluating someone’s condition or health.Some of the first bacteria identified as living inside the bodies of healthy humans were E. coli, which aids digestion in the large intestine, and Veillonella parvula, which converts some harmful acids in the mouth into less harmful ones. In 2007, the scientific community launched a project called the Human Microbiome Project in order to learn more about these microorganisms. Example: The human microbiome includes so much more than bacteria and viruses.

Etymology

Origin of microbiome

Coined 2001 by Joshua Lederberg, American molecular biologist; micro(be) + biome

Compare meaning

How does microbiome compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• microbiota vs. microbiome

Example Sentences

"This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral health," says Min Xing, first author on the study.

From Science Daily

Certain additives common in ultraprocessed foods, like emulsifiers, can alter the gut microbiome in a way that might cause inflammation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study will use Smart Underwear to measure flatulence patterns continuously in hundreds of participants while also analyzing their diets and gut microbiome composition.

From Science Daily

Scientists at CIC study infections, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung conditions, the microbiome, and autoimmune disorders to develop new therapies and cures.

From Science Daily

In the oral microbiome, bacteria that contain the T9SS system have been linked to gum disease.

From Science Daily