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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