microorganism

noun

mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: an organism (such as a bacterium or protozoan) of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size

Examples of microorganism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This region harbors fewer bacteria and other microorganisms than at shallower depths, and there is little local variation in temperature or pressure. Vanessa Bates Ramirez, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2025 Along with other microorganisms, fungi consume all kinds of organic matter — the remains of dead plants, animals and other living things — and release useful nutrients into the soil to be absorbed by plant roots. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025 The scientists were surprised to find that the material was teeming with life-forms, some of which were unknown microorganisms. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025 When they are exposed to cold temperatures, the process that allows mold and other fruit-rotting microorganisms to grow is slowed down. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for microorganism

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microorganism was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Microorganism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microorganism. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

microorganism

noun
mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: an organism (as a bacterium) of microscopic or less than microscopic size

Medical Definition

microorganism

noun
mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism -ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: an organism of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size

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