microbe
MYK-rohb
Microbe (noun) means a microorganism, especially one that causes disease; a germ. Example: “Washing your hands kills most microbes on the skin's surface.”
noun
1
A microorganism, especially one that causes disease; a germ.
"Washing your hands kills most microbes on the skin's surface."
"Scientists discovered a new microbe living in deep ocean vents."
How to use microbe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny living organism, usually a bacterium, too small to see without a microscope.
Common mistake
In everyday speech "microbe" often implies something harmful (a germ), even though scientifically many microbes are harmless or beneficial.
Common pairings
harmful microbes
kill microbes
gut microbes
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like microbe.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- microbes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Washing your hands kills most _____ on the skin's surface.
Etymology
Borrowed from French microbe, built from Greek mikros ("small") and bios ("life") — literally "tiny life."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for microbe
See all rhymes for microbe →Frequently asked questions
What does “microbe” mean?
The word “microbe” means a microorganism, especially one that causes disease; a germ. In plain terms, a tiny living organism, usually a bacterium, too small to see without a microscope.
How do you pronounce “microbe”?
“Microbe” is pronounced MYK-rohb (/ˈmaɪkɹoʊb/ in IPA).
How do you use “microbe” in a sentence?
Here is “microbe” used in a sentence: “Washing your hands kills most microbes on the skin's surface.”
What part of speech is “microbe”?
“Microbe” is a noun.
Where does the word “microbe” come from?
The word “microbe” comes from French. Borrowed from French microbe, built from Greek mikros ("small") and bios ("life") — literally "tiny life.".
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include microbe:
