microorganism

noun

mi·cro·or·gan·ism | \ ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm

Definition of microorganism

: an organism (such as a bacterium or protozoan) of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size

Examples of microorganism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The limbs may have had tight angles to the trunk which can be weak points letting in the microorganisms. — oregonlive.com, "Tips for success when planting under conifer and maple trees? Ask an expert," 8 June 2019 In general, bar soap cleans by physically washing away dirt and microorganisms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). — Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, "Is Bar Soap Sanitary or Just Crawling With Germs?," 5 Apr. 2019 Other microorganisms like fungi are also part of this environment. — Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, "Is Bar Soap Sanitary or Just Crawling With Germs?," 5 Apr. 2019 Ice cubes and lemon juice: Many of us think that the ice in our drinks is safe and that the acid from a lemon slice dropped in a beverage reduces any contaminating microorganisms. — Paul Dawson And Brian Sheldon, WSJ, "The Myths of Microbe-Fighting," 9 Nov. 2018 These microorganisms are usually harmless, Elitza Theel, Ph.D., a microbiologist in the laboratory medicine and pathology department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, tells SELF. — Jessica Toscano, SELF, "Here's How Often You Should Really Clean Your Yoga Mat," 12 Apr. 2019 Belly buttons contain a lot of folds that allow for the buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and various microorganisms, Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, tells SELF. — Korin Miller, SELF, "5 Belly Button Infections You Can Get (and What to Do If You Have One)," 23 Feb. 2019 Assuming something as relatively benign as submarine-detecting microorganisms, does any country have the right to spread synthetic organisms—particularly those with military purposes—in international waters? — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Military Wants to Create Synthetic Life Forms to Track Enemies," 4 Dec. 2018 This important balance of microorganisms is also known as your skin microbiome. — Jessica Toscano, SELF, "Here’s How Often You Should Really Be Washing Your Sheets," 23 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'microorganism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.