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

Katherine Wu explained in a recent Atlantic piece: “The reality is that both environment and pathogens often influence the outcome of disease, and both should be addressed.”

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When positioned optimally, the device prevented inhalation of pathogens during the first 15 minutes of exposure.

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In nature, dIgA is produced as part of the immune system and is released into tears, saliva and mucus as an early defense against pathogens.

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The failure of bee colonies was caused by a wide range of factors, including but not limited to pathogens, pests, pesticides, pollutants, habitat loss, climate variability, agricultural production intensification, and crop management practices.

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It follows an earlier investigation into pathogens responsible for potato diseases, which was recently published in Nature Communications.

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Related Words

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