pathogen
noun
any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacterium, or other microorganism.
pathogens
-
pluralof pathogen.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The substances immune cells release to destroy pathogens can also injure surrounding healthy tissue.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
Samples tested found norovirus, campylobacter, shigella and "other pathogens that cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea", officials said.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
We still use decades-old technology to detect the presence of dangerous pathogens.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
Although two established pathogens remained prominent, the presence of additional bacterial groups indicates that the disease cannot be fully understood by studying those organisms alone.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
We and our pathogens are now locked in an escalating evolutionary contest, with the death of one contestant the price of defeat, and with natural selection playing the role of umpire.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
