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
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To try to evade the immune system, pathogens develop similarities to human cells as a form of camouflage.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Every day, your immune system performs a delicate balancing act, defending you from thousands of pathogens that cause disease while sparing your body’s own healthy cells.
—Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
Flower blight or petal blight is also caused by a fungal pathogen.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Natural occurrences such as predation, pathogens, or harsh climates are thought to drive the longevity gaps between males and females.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
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Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Every day, your immune system performs a delicate balancing act, defending you from thousands of pathogens that cause disease while sparing your body’s own healthy cells.
—Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
Flower blight or petal blight is also caused by a fungal pathogen.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Natural occurrences such as predation, pathogens, or harsh climates are thought to drive the longevity gaps between males and females.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Cite this Entry
“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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pathogen
noun
patho·gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
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