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

This is especially true if it has been used to prepare raw meat, poultry, or other foods that may harbor harmful pathogens. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026

As lymph passes through, immune cells inside destroy pathogens before clean fluid returns to circulation. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026

Immune cells inside those nodes identify and destroy pathogens before clean fluid returns to circulation. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

The risk of such public threats is mounting because climate change is expanding the territory of certain pathogens, but researchers say there's another concern. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pathogen

noun

patho·​gen

ˈpath-ə-jən

: a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

Medical Definition

pathogen

noun

patho·​gen ˈpath-ə-jən 

: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease