microorganism

noun

mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: 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 presence of Lactobacillus, one of the most common microorganisms found in kefir and other probiotic foods, plays a role in managing stress in the body. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2024 In the depths of your eyes, a thriving metropolis of microorganisms exists, which could potentially revolutionize our understanding of eye health. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 For most of the world, the virus went its way, mutating cleverly, with the weird mimic intelligence of microorganisms. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 While the seemingly random shapes and textures of microorganisms inform much recent art, Buster’s current work appears more indebted to architecture and aeronautical design. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2024 Pay special attention to scales, crusty bits, or slimy areas of the machine—these textures all indicate the growth of potentially airway-irritating microorganisms. TIME, 24 Jan. 2024 This biodegradability significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint and promotes the growth of other microorganisms in the soil. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024 Now, the society’s growers try to keep the starter away from other starters so microorganisms don’t get mixed in by accident, the website said. Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2024 Dark spots can indicate the presence of mold, and gray-blackish (or possibly light pink) slimy scum suggests biofilm, a substance secreted by microorganisms. Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microorganism.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microorganism was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near microorganism

Cite this Entry

“Microorganism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microorganism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

microorganism

noun
mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: an organism (as a bacterium) of microscopic or less than microscopic size

Medical Definition

microorganism

noun
mi·​cro·​or·​gan·​ism -ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce microorganism (audio)
: an organism of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size

More from Merriam-Webster on microorganism

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