microbiology

American  

[mahy-kroh-bahy-ol-uh-jee] / ˌmaɪ kroʊ baɪˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of biology dealing with the structure, function, uses, and modes of existence of microscopic organisms.

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microbiology British  

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌmaɪkrəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of biology involving the study of microorganisms

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microbiology Scientific  

/ mī′krō-bī-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of microorganisms.

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Other Word Forms

• microbiologic adjective
• microbiological adjective
• microbiologically adverb
• microbiologist noun

Etymology

Origin of microbiology

First recorded in 1885–90; micro- + biology

Compare meaning

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

• microbiology vs. biology

Example Sentences

"This is a new way of regenerating adult tissue, and it has significant clinical promise for treating arthritis due to aging or injury," said Helen Blau, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology.

From Science Daily

Notti earned his Ph.D. in structural microbiology at Rockefeller before moving into oncology, and he suggested to Walz that they investigate this unanswered question together.

From Science Daily

“Trained immunity is broad,” says David Topham, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

From The Wall Street Journal

Artemisinin-based medicines are still very effective, but resistance to them is spreading, particularly in East and Southern Africa, said David Fidock, professor of microbiology and immunology and medical sciences at Columbia University.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We brought together genetic analysis, plant physiology and microbiology, allowing us to ask and answer questions that couldn't have been addressed before."

From Science Daily