noun
Uncommon
pathogen
PA-thuhjn
Pathogen (noun) means a microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease. Example: “Handwashing helps prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- pathogens
Fill the gap
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Handwashing helps prevent the spread of harmful _____.
Etymology
From Greek patho- ("disease") plus -gen ("producing") — literally, "disease-producer."
Rhymes for pathogen
See all rhymes for pathogen →Frequently asked questions
What does “pathogen” mean?
The word “pathogen” means a microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease. In plain terms, a germ or microbe that makes you sick, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
How do you pronounce “pathogen”?
“Pathogen” is pronounced PA-thuhjn (/ˈpæθəd͡ʒn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “pathogen” in a sentence?
Here is “pathogen” used in a sentence: “Handwashing helps prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.”
What part of speech is “pathogen”?
“Pathogen” is a noun.
Where does the word “pathogen” come from?
The word “pathogen” comes from Greek. From Greek patho- ("disease") plus -gen ("producing") — literally, "disease-producer.".
Is “pathogen” a common word?
“Pathogen” is an uncommon word in modern English.
