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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The thymus is responsible for producing the body’s T cells, which help to target and destroy invading pathogens.
—
Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026
Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and spread out across the property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants.
—Steven John, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
And when the next novel pathogen emerges — not if, when — doctors will be at a loss.
—Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
Researchers determined that a range of genetic variations, as well as exposure or lack of exposure to common pathogens, play a role in the body’s response to infections and/or treatments.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
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Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026
Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and spread out across the property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants.
—Steven John, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
And when the next novel pathogen emerges — not if, when — doctors will be at a loss.
—Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
Researchers determined that a range of genetic variations, as well as exposure or lack of exposure to common pathogens, play a role in the body’s response to infections and/or treatments.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Cite this Entry
“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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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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