microbiota

American  

[mahy-kroh-bahy-oh-tuh] / ˌmaɪ kroʊ baɪˈoʊ tə /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the microorganisms, both flora and fauna, that inhabit a particular region, when considered collectively.

2. the microorganisms that live in the human body, symbiotically or pathologically.

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Etymology

Origin of microbiota

First recorded in 1925–30; micro- ( def. ) + biota ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• microbiota vs. microbiome

Example Sentences

"Based on previous research, it appears that athletes have a different gut microbiota when compared with the general population. This includes greater total short chain fatty acid concentrations, alpha diversity, an increased abundance of some bacteria and a lower abundance of others," she said.

From Science Daily

They suggest this work could reshape how future medicines are designed, shifting the focus toward compounds that guide the microbiota to produce health-supporting molecules for their hosts.

From Science Daily

As a result, the makeup and behavior of the microbiota shift.

From Science Daily

"We were surprised by how a side effect often seen as collateral damage of chemotherapy can trigger such a structured systemic response. By reshaping the gut microbiota, chemotherapy sets off a cascade of events that rewires immunity and makes the body less permissive to metastasis," says Ludivine Bersier, first author of the study.

From Science Daily

The research team also followed one patient whose symptoms improved after receiving a fecal microbiota transplantation when other treatments had not worked.

From Science Daily