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
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.
Natural sources may be treated with pesticides and herbicides, and are also prone to contamination with bacteria and other pathogens, Manning adds. Alice Park, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 These pathogens can thrive in moist, protein-rich foods and multiply quickly. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 The West Nile virus threat continues to increase in San Diego County this week, with routine monitoring picking up the presence of the pathogen in San Diego’s City Heights and Skyline neighborhoods. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 The project seeks to protect against future increases in run-off, flooding and water temperatures that lead to more pathogens, viruses and natural organic matter. Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025 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 17 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pathogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!