noun

pathogen

pathogen

The lab is studying a dangerous pathogen.

The lab is studying a dangerous pathogen.

Bacteria and viruses are common pathogens.

Bacteria and viruses are common pathogens.

a pathogen ((that causes sth.)) a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease Bacteria and viruses are common pathogens.

Synonyms: germ, microbe, bacterium, virus

From Greek 'pathos' (disease) and '-gen' (producer). It literally means 'disease producer'.

Break it down: 'patho-' (disease) + '-gen' (generate) = something that generates disease.

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