microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈō-tə 

: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1

It's very possible that the master key to unlocking chronic disease will turn out to be the health and composition of the microbiota in your gut.

—Michael Pollan and Ruth Reichl

microbiotic

ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈä-tik 

adjective

the microbiotic environment of the gut

Examples of microbiota in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And a review in the US National Library of Medicine says that probiotic supplements are thought to improve IBS symptoms through manipulation of the gut microbiota. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

All have neurons, a mouth opening at the end of a retractable proboscis, an intestine containing a microbiota and four pairs of non-articulated legs ending in claws, and most have two eyes. —Laurent Palka, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024

For instance, one of the key functions of the skin microbiota, which are mostly bacteria, is acid resistance. —Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024

Specifically, fecal microbiota transplants are safe and effective in stopping the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to a small study published today in Science Translational Medicine. —Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023

The skin’s natural microbiota can influence aging, sensory nerve function, and the immune system, according to a study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024

Different combinations of gut microbiota can enhance or blunt the effectiveness of a pill. —Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024

There have been some animal studies linking artificial sweeteners (aspartame, but also sucralose and saccharine) to gut microbiota changes that could lead to glucose intolerance, which could lead to diabetes. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 17 July 2023

After One Week Alcohol consumption is thought to cause gut inflammation and alter the gut microbiota. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

micro- + biota

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta -bī-ˈōt-ə 

: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1

The more we learn about our microbiota, however, the more we realize how easy it is for helpful microbes to get caught in the line of fire between an antibiotic and its intended target.

—Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic

… the microbiota on the tongue differ from those species living in plaque on teeth.

—Mel Rosenberg, Scientific American

microbiotic

-bī-ˈät-ik 

adjective

microbiotic life