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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During periods of high humidity and heat, the pathogen spreads by wind, rain splash, and infected tools.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Researchers hypothesize that white blood cells called macrophages—which normally engulf and destroy invading pathogens—aren't able to finish the job.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Domesticating animals like cows, pigs, sheep and chickens created the perfect setup for zoonotic pathogens (microbes originating in animals) to jump into humans.
—New Atlas, 9 July 2025
Enzymes also aid in immune function by breaking down invading pathogens and managing inflammation, explains Holden.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2025
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Researchers hypothesize that white blood cells called macrophages—which normally engulf and destroy invading pathogens—aren't able to finish the job.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Domesticating animals like cows, pigs, sheep and chickens created the perfect setup for zoonotic pathogens (microbes originating in animals) to jump into humans.
—New Atlas, 9 July 2025
Enzymes also aid in immune function by breaking down invading pathogens and managing inflammation, explains Holden.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 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 20 Jul. 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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