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 pathogens

Conventional poultry farms use antibiotics extensively, which contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
By contrast, testing for pathogens deals only with cases as they become apparent in transfusion patients.
The altered strain was rendered avirulent, because the immune system was able to eliminate the exposed pathogens.
There's also the threat of pathogens that could thrive in crowded pens and escape to harm natural fish populations.
As such, it will contain many of the same pathogens as the human source contains.
If you plan to be in less-developed areas, more serious pathogens may be lurking around.
If pathogens can be designed by laptop, vaccines can be, too.
Ultraviolet radiation of the sun kills pathogens that cause diarrhea.
They also possess mutations in genes linked to fighting off pathogens and repairing toxin damage.
The canine influenza virus can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.

British Dictionary definitions for pathogens

/ˈpæθəˌdʒɛn/

noun

any agent that can cause disease

Word Origin and History for pathogens

1880, a back-formation from pathogenic.

pathogens 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.

pathogens 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.

pathogens in Culture

pathogen [(path-uh-juhn)]

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