pathogenic

adjective

path·​o·​gen·​ic ˌpa-thə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce pathogenic (audio)
1
2
: causing or capable of causing disease
pathogenicity noun

Examples of pathogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Houssin acknowledged that there remains a risk that a more pathogenic variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may emerge, and that a new PHEIC might need to be declared. Helen Branswell, STAT, 5 May 2023 As the largest organ in the body, our skin protects us from UV radiation, chemical exposures, and pathogenic bacteria from the outside environment. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 The tricky thing is that a high-humidity environment also makes a great home for pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 16 Feb. 2024 These can be used to eliminate pathogenic RNA, like the genomes of some viruses, the way they are eliminated in their native bacteria. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 2 Dec. 2023 To be clear, consuming milk that’s contaminated with pathogenic bacteria (like Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli)—whether unpasteurized or adulterated somehow post-production—can lead to more severe food poisoning. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Feb. 2024 Currently, nearly two-thirds of pathogenic diseases that affect humans are being spurred by rising temperatures and climate hazards. Jayasree K. Iyer, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2023 Whenever the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is detected on a farm, the entire flock is killed as to keep it from spreading to other farms. Josh Funk, Fortune Well, 7 Nov. 2023 One particularly bad pathogenic fungus for plants is called rust. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pathogenic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -genic, after French pathogénique, German pathogenisch

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathogenic was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near pathogenic

Cite this Entry

“Pathogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogenic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pathogenic

adjective
patho·​gen·​ic
ˌpath-ə-ˈjen-ik
: causing or capable of causing disease

Medical Definition

pathogenic

adjective
patho·​gen·​ic -ˈjen-ik How to pronounce pathogenic (audio)
1
2
: causing or capable of causing disease
pathogenic microorganisms
pathogenically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pathogenic

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