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

American farmers have for years been using a vinegar-like acid, and not chlorine, to rinse poultry and kill potential pathogens. —Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 11 May 2025

This resulted in the spread of deadly pathogens and a rise in disease-carrying rats and feral dogs. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025

Another potential application of kefir is in keeping foods safe from pathogens (disease-causing organisms).9 Health Benefits of Yogurt Yogurt contains probiotics, though fewer strains and CFUs than kefir. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

On the farm, poor sanitation enabled cows and dairy workers to introduce tuberculosis, typhoid, and other pathogens into milk. — Made By History, Time, 29 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