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

While dengue may be the highest priority pathogen for epidemiologists to fight, suppressing mosquito populations will inevitably decrease diseases all around. — New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026

Do not compost diseased foliage because home compost piles or bins usually do not get hot enough to kill the pathogens. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026

Immunology, virology, growing a pathogen, and stabilizing a dangerous mutation all require different skills. — Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Unused nutrients will become available to pathogens, creating collateral health challenges. — Aidan Connolly, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

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