microbe

Definitions of microbe
  1. noun
    any organism of microscopic size
    synonyms: bacterie, micro-organisme
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 7 types...
    hide 7 types...
    computervirus, smetstof, virus
    (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein
    bacterie
    (microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered to be plants
    zaadkiem, ziektekiem, ziektestof, ziekteverwekker
    a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use
    ziektekiem, ziektestof, ziekteverwekker
    any disease-producing agent (especially a virus or bacterium or other microorganism)
    faag, fagen
    a virus that is parasitic (reproduces itself) in bacteria
    protozoön, wisseldiertje
    any of diverse minute acellular or unicellular organisms usually nonphotosynthetic
    alge, wier
    primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves
    type of:
    organisme
    a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘microbe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing microbe

view more about the vocabulary list
Words to Live By: Bio

Are you ready to learn the facts of life? Then review these words from the Greek root bio, meaning "life" or "way of living."

Ecology - Middle School

Review this essential ecology vocabulary and learn all about the relationships between organisms and their environment. This list covers ecosystems and biomes, food chains and food webs, ecological relationships like symbiosis and parasitism, and much more.

Ecology - High School

Review this essential ecology vocabulary and learn all about the relationships between organisms and their environment. This list covers ecosystems and biomes, food chains and food webs, ecological relationships like symbiosis and parasitism, and much more.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS