pathogen

noun

path·​o·​gen ˈpa-thə-jən 

: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease

Examples of pathogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team that approves respirators — which assures the equipment can protect against everything from asbestos to airborne pathogens — has been shut down. —Will Stone, NPR, 2 May 2025

The proposal includes establishing a pathogen access and benefit-sharing system, building geographically diverse research and development capacities, facilitating the transfer of technology and related knowledge, and establishing a global supply chain and logistics network, among other measures. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025

This includes establishing a pathogen access and benefit sharing system and building geographically diverse research capacities among others. —Reuters, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025

The challenge with treating this pathogen is its ability to be misidentified as other, less harmful types of candida, and its multidrug resistance. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pathogen

noun

patho·​gen

ˈpath-ə-jən

: a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

Medical Definition

pathogen

noun

patho·​gen ˈpath-ə-jən 

: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease