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

Zhang and his colleagues theorize that this reaction might help plants avoid pathogens, similar to the way unpleasant smells help animals steer clear of rotten food. — Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2026

The pathogen has historically been rare, with the University of Washington laboratory identifying only one to five cases per year between 2009 and 2023. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are crucial, notes Erin Dawicki, a physician assistant in Boston and co-founder and CEO of LymeAlert, the first at-home test for the tickborne pathogen that causes Lyme disease. — Matt Alderton, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

The new agreement strips that provision, as well as another that required Zambia to share pathogen data for 25 years and health data for 10 years. — Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 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