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A hint of the Greek word bios, meaning "life", can be seen in microbe. Microbes, or microorganisms, include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoebas, and slime molds. Many people think of microbes as simply the causes of disease, but every human is actually the host to billions of microbes, and most of them are essential to our life. Much research is now going into possible microbial sources of future energy; algae looks particularly promising, as do certain newly discovered or created microbes that can produce cellulose, to be turned into ethanol and other biofuels.
Examples of microbe in a Sentence
Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
In the past, irrigated rice paddies were kept flooded throughout the growing season, resulting in constant greenhouse gas emissions produced by microbes that thrive in the wet environment.
—Hanqin Tian, Fortune, 25 May 2026
This is because, during fermentation, helpful microbes can develop, and when consumed, these bacteria may help support the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, known as the gut microbiome.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 May 2026
Yogurt fermentation begins with milk heated to a high temperature to kill unwanted microbes and restructure its proteins — a step that helps the final product reach its signature creaminess.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Microbe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbe. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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microbe
noun
Medical Definition
microbe
noun
