pathogen

noun

path·​o·​gen ˈpa-thə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease

Examples of pathogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If successful, the experimental therapy could deliver an immune rejuvenation breakthrough – one that bolsters the immune system rather than targeting a specific pathogen or disease. New Atlas, 2 July 2026 Although outbreaks remain relatively rare, both viruses can cause severe pneumonia and encephalitis, placing them among the World Health Organization's highest-priority emerging pathogens. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The risk of such public threats is mounting because climate change is expanding the territory of certain pathogens, but researchers say there's another concern. Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026 What is urgently needed is a shift from pathogen-specific diagnostics toward pathogen-agnostic diagnostic systems. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathogen

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathogen was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

Medical Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen ˈpath-ə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease

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