pathogen
PATH-uh-juhn
/ˈpæθədʒən/
A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
A broad term that covers all biological causes of disease, including fungi and parasites.
The story behind the word. Literally 'born of suffering'. The root 'pathos' gives us 'empathy' and 'sympathy', while 'genes' gives us 'generation' and 'genesis'. It was coined in the 1880s as the germ theory of disease gained dominance.
Word relationships
- germ: Germ is a non-technical, everyday word; pathogen is the precise scientific term.
- infectious agent: A synonym often used in formal medical literature.
Commonly confused with
- antigen: A pathogen is the whole organism; an antigen is a specific part of that organism that the immune system recognizes.
Word family
- pathogenic (adjective): Capable of causing disease.
- pathology (noun): The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Collocations
- bloodborne pathogen
- harmful pathogen
- pathogen transmission
Example sentences
- "The water was tested for the presence of harmful pathogens before being cleared for drinking." Scientific definition.
- "Researchers are studying how this specific pathogen evades the human immune system." Medical research.
Memory hook
A PATHogen creates a PATH to suffering. Born of suffering.
When not to use
Do not use for chemical toxins or genetic disorders; a pathogen must be a biological organism.
Fun facts
- Not all bacteria are pathogens; in fact, the human body contains trillions of bacteria that are essential for health.
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