pathogen

[path-uh-juh n, ‐jen] /ˈpæθ ə dʒən, ‐ˌdʒɛn/

noun

any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacterium, or other microorganism.

Origin

1940-45; patho- + -gen

Related forms

antipathogen, noun

Examples from the web for pathogen

The mystery is what kind of pathogen or disease-causing organism could behave in such a pattern.
Research interests may include but are not limited to host-vector pathogen relationships and transmission biology.
As hoped, this compound augmented the potency of antibiotics in mice infected with this pathogen.
Close contact between two species represents an opportunity for a pathogen to expand its horizons and possibilities.
The pathogen could spread to humans who ate contaminated beef.
The pathogen makes its presence known to humans through crimson pustules on the plant's stems and leaves.
Despite this, there is no federal requirement for grinders to test their ingredients for the pathogen.
The lack of it lowers the threshold for responding to a foreign protein that might come from a pathogen.
Each of them reflects the action of a pathogen that can cross to people from other species.
Heat can also influence the how a pathogen is spread.

British Dictionary definitions for pathogen

/ˈpæθəˌdʒɛn/

noun

any agent that can cause disease

Word Origin and History for pathogen

1880, a back-formation from pathogenic.

pathogen in Medicine

pathogen path·o·gen (pāth'ə-jən)
n.
An agent that causes disease, especially a living microorganism such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

pathogen in Science

pathogen

(pāth'ə-jən)
An agent that causes infection or disease, especially a microorganism, such as a bacterium or protozoan, or a virus. See Note at germ.

pathogen in Culture

pathogen [(path-uh-juhn)]

A disease-causing agent. Microorganisms, viruses, and toxins are examples of pathogens.