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

Among the presents family and friends will be unwrapping: microbiome tests, which detail the types of bacteria living in your gut, and services that use continuous glucose monitoring devices, which measure blood sugar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their goal was to determine if interfering with these signals could help prevent plaque buildup and support a healthier oral microbiome.

From Science Daily

Over the past several years, scientists have increasingly recognized that the gut microbiome acts as a key link between genetics, environmental factors, and the development of metabolic disorders.

From Science Daily

"They enhance flavour and texture, but also offer benefits including improved digestion and a diverse, healthier gut microbiome."

From BBC

"Because agmatine is produced by diet and gut microbes, this work may help explain how nutrition and the microbiome influence aging."

From Science Daily