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

Measles — which was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 — is caused by a virus that is among the world’s most contagious pathogens. — Dhruti Shah, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

While the part of the agreement about minerals was separated from the global health agreement after the public outcry in Zambia, many of the global health agreements do require the recipient country to share data such as pathogen information. — Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026

Look at the recall or outbreak notice to find out which pathogen is involved and which symptoms to watch for. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

According to the Food and Drug Administration, that exposes moisture and nutrients that can help bacteria grow if any pathogens are present. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

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