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
This practice is harshly criticized by governments and activists due to the risk of creating antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which can harm animals and humans.
—
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2025
Understanding where and when ecological changes elevate spillover risk can inform more strategic public health planning—and support ecological countermeasures aimed at preventing pathogens from crossing into human populations.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Alcoholic beverages are virtually impervious to pathogens but can only be consumed in limited quantities.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
In 2024, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths from foodborne pathogens—including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli—increased sharply, with nearly 1,400 illnesses and 19 deaths reported, up from 1,118 illnesses and eight deaths the year prior, according to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2025
Understanding where and when ecological changes elevate spillover risk can inform more strategic public health planning—and support ecological countermeasures aimed at preventing pathogens from crossing into human populations.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Alcoholic beverages are virtually impervious to pathogens but can only be consumed in limited quantities.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
In 2024, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths from foodborne pathogens—including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli—increased sharply, with nearly 1,400 illnesses and 19 deaths reported, up from 1,118 illnesses and eight deaths the year prior, according to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 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 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pathogen
noun
patho·gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share