pathogen
noun
path·o·gen
ˈpa-thə-jən 
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Examples of pathogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The details of the pandemic—the exact pathogen, the true number of victims—are subjects of debate, and might never be fully settled.
—
Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Other research has explored whether respiratory pathogens like Chlamydia pneumoniae might reach the brain through nasal or olfactory pathways, but results have been mixed and the mechanisms are still poorly understood.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Raw milk, also referred to as unpasteurized milk, has not been treated for bacteria or pathogens.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
Veterinarians and agriculture experts are warning Colorado flock owners to be cautious as high pathogen avian influenza is making a return to the region.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
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Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Other research has explored whether respiratory pathogens like Chlamydia pneumoniae might reach the brain through nasal or olfactory pathways, but results have been mixed and the mechanisms are still poorly understood.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Raw milk, also referred to as unpasteurized milk, has not been treated for bacteria or pathogens.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
Veterinarians and agriculture experts are warning Colorado flock owners to be cautious as high pathogen avian influenza is making a return to the region.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Cite this Entry
“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pathogen
noun
patho·gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
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