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
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 community of beneficial microorganisms that dwell among the roots of plants are the botanical equivalent of a gut microbiome. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 The plant in Kalundborg, Denmark lacked information intended to show that water used in drug production was adequately controlled for certain microorganisms, according to a US Food and Drug Administration inspection report from March. Madison Muller, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 Sugar and other ingredients in Halloween treats can cast a sickly spell on the trillions of microorganisms that reside in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Christopher Damman, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Racial disparities in diagnosis Recent research has been exploring the gut microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms in the intestines—and how imbalances or dysfunction in this environment may contribute to the development of breast cancer. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for microorganism 

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 3 Dec. 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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