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.
Global tech stocks fell on the calls to hit the brakes on AI, which has fueled fears that superintelligent computer systems could go rogue and wipe out humanity by creating pathogens or triggering nuclear war.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
Macrophages are among the immune system's first responders and are best known for engulfing pathogens.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026
As people move deeper and deeper into ecosystems and territories where few, if any, had lived before, they risk interacting with pathogens that were previously confined.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
The potential use of chatbots or agents to develop deadly pathogens has long been a concern among AI safety experts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 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
