pathogenic

adjective

path·​o·​gen·​ic ˌpa-thə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce pathogenic (audio)
1
2
: causing or capable of causing disease
pathogenicity noun

Examples of pathogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What is the bird flu? Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that can result in serious illness and death in birds and mammals. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 Thus far this year, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has caused outbreaks among cattle and poultry. Katia Hetter, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024 In other instances, wildlife, livestock, and pets at petting zoos that are carriers of pathogenic E. coli can spread infection. Devonne Goode, Parents, 23 Oct. 2024 Bird flu viruses are divided into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pathogenic 

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -genic, after French pathogénique, German pathogenisch

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathogenic was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near pathogenic

Cite this Entry

“Pathogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogenic. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pathogenic

adjective
patho·​gen·​ic
ˌpath-ə-ˈjen-ik
: causing or capable of causing disease

Medical Definition

pathogenic

adjective
patho·​gen·​ic -ˈjen-ik How to pronounce pathogenic (audio)
1
2
: causing or capable of causing disease
pathogenic microorganisms
pathogenically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pathogenic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!