microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈō-tə How to pronounce microbiota (audio)
: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1
It's very possible that the master key to unlocking chronic disease will turn out to be the health and composition of the microbiota in your gut.Michael Pollan and Ruth Reichl
microbiotic adjective
the microbiotic environment of the gut

Examples of microbiota in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Probiotic supplements also typically contain gut microbes that settle in the small intestine, but the vast majority of gut microbiota colonize in the colon, Alper explained. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 11 Dec. 2025 These included a small amount of muscle loss, increases in LDL and total cholesterol, and other reported issues such as possible nutritional deficiencies, gut microbiota changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, hyperuricemia, and (in some research) bone-health concerns. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Dec. 2025 The activity and makeup of these microorganisms are called the microbiota, which can affect human health. Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025 Previous research found that Treg cells in the gut play a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis – the dynamic balance between microbiota and immune cells found in the gut. Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for microbiota

Word History

Etymology

micro- + biota

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microbiota was in 1914

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microbiota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbiota. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

microbiota

noun
mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta -bī-ˈōt-ə How to pronounce microbiota (audio)
: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1
The more we learn about our microbiota, however, the more we realize how easy it is for helpful microbes to get caught in the line of fire between an antibiotic and its intended target.Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic
… the microbiota on the tongue differ from those species living in plaque on teeth.Mel Rosenberg, Scientific American
microbiotic adjective
microbiotic life
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