pathogenic

American  

[path-uh-jen-ik] / ˌpæθ əˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

1. Pathology. capable of producing disease.

   pathogenic bacteria.

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pathogenic British  

/ ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. able to cause or produce disease

   pathogenic bacteria

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pathogenic Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for a thing or condition that can cause disease.

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Other Word Forms

• antipathogenic adjective
• nonpathogenic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pathogenic

First recorded in 1850–55; patho- + -genic

Example Sentences

These infections were marked by encephalitis and frequently resulted in death, highlighting the increased pathogenic potential of this transmission route.

From Science Daily

In addition to well known pathogenic variants such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, the study also evaluated smaller DNA changes that can be combined into a polygenic risk score.

From Science Daily

"By determining not only whether a variant is pathogenic but also the type of disease it is likely to cause, we can improve both the speed and accuracy of genetic interpretation and diagnostics."

From Science Daily

Remarkably, Cal-Maine achieved these results during a time of volatile egg prices, continued vulnerability of flocks to the highly pathogenic avian influenza External link, and a weary consumer.

From Barron's

It added it also was affected by the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and pneumoviruses within the poultry industry.

From The Wall Street Journal