microbial
my-KROH-bee-uhl
/maɪˈkroʊbiəl/
Relating to or characteristic of a microorganism, especially a bacterium causing disease or fermentation.
A broad term covering bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
The story behind the word. Coined from the Greek 'mikros' (small) and 'bios' (life). It was a necessary invention of the 19th century to describe the newly discovered world of organisms invisible to the naked eye.
Word relationships
- bacterial: Bacterial is specific to bacteria; microbial includes all types of microscopic life.
- macroscopic: Visible to the naked eye.
Commonly confused with
- pathogenic: Microbial refers to any microbe; pathogenic refers only to those that cause disease.
Word family
- microbe (noun): A microorganism, especially a bacterium causing disease or fermentation.
- microbiology (noun): The branch of science that deals with microorganisms.
Collocations
- microbial growth
- microbial activity
- microbial contamination
- microbial resistance
Example sentences
- "The microbial growth in the petri dish was monitored over a period of forty-eight hours." Laboratory analysis
- "The new guidelines set strict limits on the allowable microbial count in raw milk." Food safety regulation
Memory hook
Micro (small) + Bial (life). Small life. Invisible life.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to larger organisms like insects or rodents.
Fun facts
- The total weight of all microbial life on Earth is estimated to be 25 times greater than the weight of all animals combined.
Related words
Explore more words
pathogen, probiotic, ferment, preservative, fermentation, virulence
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