Definition of microbe
People Are Reading
Recent Examples of microbe from the Web
-
Wondering what colliding black holes look like led to the development of the modern internet, and curiosity about how microbes survive in boiling hot springs gave rise to a crucial element of crime scene DNA testing.
-
The finding is the latest to link our health to the microbes that share our bodies, what’s called the microbiome.
-
Their device uses a photovoltaic panel to split the water into oxygen and hydrogen and then feeds the hydrogen to the microbes, which convert CO2 from the air into fuels such as alcohol.
-
By the second day, though, the patient's own microbes began colonizing the room's surfaces, replacing the bacteria from the previous person.
-
Scientists have found microbes around the pond, but the water itself may not support life.
-
But as the heat builds, the microbes are killed and chemical processes, like oxidation take over.
-
It is commonly paired with sushi and sashimi because of microbe-killing properties that reduce the chance of illnesses associated with eating raw fish, and anyone who has eaten more than their fair share can attest to its sinus-clearing properties.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'microbe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
A hint of the Greek word bios, meaning "life", can be seen in microbe. Microbes, or microorganisms, include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoebas, and slime molds. Many people think of microbes as simply the causes of disease, but every human is actually the host to billions of microbes, and most of them are essential to our life. Much research is now going into possible microbial sources of future energy; algae looks particularly promising, as do certain newly discovered or created microbes that can produce cellulose, to be turned into ethanol and other biofuels.
Origin and Etymology of microbe
International Scientific Vocabulary micr- + Greek bios life — more at quick
First Known Use: 1878
MICROBE Defined for English Language Learners
microbe
playDefinition of microbe for English Language Learners
-
: an extremely small living thing that can only be seen with a microscope
MICROBE Defined for Kids
microbe
playDefinition of microbe for Students
: a very tiny and often harmful living thing : microorganism
Medical Dictionary
microbe
playMedical Definition of microbe
: microorganism, germ—used especially of pathogenic bacteria
Learn More about microbe
-
See words that rhyme with microbe Spanish Central: Translation of microbe Nglish: Translation of microbe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of microbe for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up microbe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!