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 For instance, one of the key functions of the skin microbiota, which are mostly bacteria, is acid resistance. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Specifically, fecal microbiota transplants are safe and effective in stopping the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to a small study published today in Science Translational Medicine. Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023 The skin’s natural microbiota can influence aging, sensory nerve function, and the immune system, according to a study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 Different combinations of gut microbiota can enhance or blunt the effectiveness of a pill. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024 There have been some animal studies linking artificial sweeteners (aspartame, but also sucralose and saccharine) to gut microbiota changes that could lead to glucose intolerance, which could lead to diabetes. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 17 July 2023 After One Week Alcohol consumption is thought to cause gut inflammation and alter the gut microbiota. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2024 Almost three quarters of the study’s participants identified as Black, a population which has a higher risk of vaginal dysbiosis—the scientific term for an imbalance in vaginal microbiota. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 6 Dec. 2023 Past research has identified two specific imbalances of the vaginal microbiota that commonly lead to bacterial vaginosis. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microbiota.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!