noun
pathogen
PA-thuhjn
noun
1
A microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease.
"Handwashing helps prevent the spread of harmful pathogens."
How to Use Pathogen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA germ or microbe that makes you sick, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
Common pairings
harmful pathogen
airborne pathogen
pathogen transmission
Word Forms
pathogens plural
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Handwashing helps prevent the spread of harmful _____.
Etymology
From Greek patho- ("disease") plus -gen ("producing") — literally, "disease-producer."