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

Because of this, the dinosaur probably relied on its stomach microbiota and fermentation to aid in digestion. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2025

Studies have found that emulsifiers can alter the mix of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome or microbiota; damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract; and trigger inflammation, potentially contributing to problems elsewhere in the body. —David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025

Research has also shown that an intact gut microbiota contributes to more muscle development. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 20 May 2025

As for the effects of microbiota on exercise capacity, most of that evidence comes from mice. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

micro- + biota

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for microbiota

• acuminata
• desiderata
• fasciculata
• agata
• bharata
• cantata
• costata
• ephrata
• errata
• falcata
• mahratta
• regatta

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