microbe
microbe
noun mee-KROB Rare
Origin: Greek mikros + bios, 'small life'
Also means
germ
Usage Note
microbe is the everyday informal word for a germ or pathogen; in scientific contexts micro-organisme or bactérie is preferred. Colloquially, microbe can also be used affectionately or mockingly to call a small child or a short person. The adjective microbien means 'microbial'.
Examples
"Ce microbe résiste aux antibiotiques."
Natural Translation
This microbe is resistant to antibiotics.
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