microbiota

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈō-tə How to pronounce microbiota (audio)
: 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 adjective
the microbiotic environment of the gut

Examples of microbiota 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.
The symptoms occur due to an immune reaction to gut microbiota—bacteria in the intestines that assist digestion.8 There are two types of IBD that can cause villous atrophy: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024 May Support Gut Health Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your gut, including the bacteria that inhabit your digestive system, collectively known as your gut microbiota. Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): These are produced when gut microbiota ferments (breaks down) carbohydrates in plant foods. Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Oct. 2024 Medications can produce rectal discharge by changing the physiology of your GI tract, causing tissue damage such as ulcers, changing your intestinal microbiota, or through unknown means. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for microbiota 

Word History

Etymology

micro- + biota

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microbiota was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near microbiota

Cite this Entry

“Microbiota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbiota. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

microbiota

noun
mi·​cro·​bi·​o·​ta -bī-ˈōt-ə How to pronounce microbiota (audio)
: 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 adjective
microbiotic life
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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