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
Michael Pollan and Ruth ReichlExamples of microbiota in a Sentence
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Favoring plant protein comes with a bonus, says Ben-Asher, because the dietary fiber and phytonutrients only found in plants is fuel for healthy microorganisms that colonize gut microbiota.
—Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 5 Feb. 2026
Researchers are testing fecal microbiota transplants as a way of changing the gut’s microbes.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
However, researchers noted that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used today as a treatment to restore gut flora in the colon, representing a modern application for healthy feces.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Probiotic supplements also typically contain gut microbes that settle in the small intestine, but the vast majority of gut microbiota colonize in the colon, Alper explained.
—Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
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Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 5 Feb. 2026
Researchers are testing fecal microbiota transplants as a way of changing the gut’s microbes.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
However, researchers noted that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used today as a treatment to restore gut flora in the colon, representing a modern application for healthy feces.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Probiotic supplements also typically contain gut microbes that settle in the small intestine, but the vast majority of gut microbiota colonize in the colon, Alper explained.
—Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for microbiota
Cite this Entry
“Microbiota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbiota. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic… the microbiota on the tongue differ from those species living in plaque on teeth.—Mel Rosenberg, Scientific American
Mel Rosenberg, Scientific AmericanLove words? Need even more definitions?
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