pathogen

[path-uh-juhn, ‑-jen]

noun

1. any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacterium, or other microorganism.

pathogen

/ ˈpæθəˌdʒiːn, ˈpæθəˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any agent that can cause disease

pathogen

1. An agent that causes infection or disease, especially a microorganism, such as a bacterium or protozoan, or a virus.

2. See Note at germ

pathogen

1. A disease-causing agent. Microorganisms, viruses, and toxins are examples of pathogens.

Other Word Forms

• antipathogen noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pathogen¹

First recorded in 1940–45; patho- + -gen

Example Sentences

Because the new DNA search engine is both fast and accurate, it could significantly accelerate research -- particularly in identifying emerging pathogens or analyzing genetic factors linked to antibiotic resistance.

Read more on Science Daily

Their work uncovered traces of two disease-causing pathogens -- those behind paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever -- which match the symptoms described in eyewitness records from that time.

Read more on Science Daily

As key players in the body's first line of defense, NK cells detect and neutralize invading pathogens.

Read more on Science Daily

The Atukorale Lab draws inspiration from how pathogens naturally stimulate the immune system.

Read more on Science Daily

Climate change may be rewriting the map of disease - and even the rarest pathogens may not stay rare for long.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• ailment 
• disease 
• germ 
• illness 
• infection 
• microbe 
• microorganism 
• sickness