pathogen

American  

[path-uh-juhn, ‑-jen] / ˈpæθ ə dʒən, ‑ˌdʒɛn /

noun

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

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pathogen British  

/ ˈpæθəˌdʒiːn, ˈpæθəˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any agent that can cause disease

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pathogen Scientific  

/ păth′ə-jən /

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

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pathogen Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• antipathogen noun

Etymology

Origin of pathogen

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.”

From Salon

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

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

NETs are produced through a specialised form of innate immune response known as NETosis, whereby neutrophils expel their DNA to form filamentous structures embedded with cytotoxic enzymes capable of rapidly trapping and neutralizing pathogens.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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