Skip to main content

microbea microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmaɪkroʊb/

Example Sentences

  • The chef was shocked to discover that his 'secret ingredient' was actually just friendly microbes living in his sourdough starter.
  • Scientists study microbes to understand how they affect human health.
  • My grandmother always said to wash hands thoroughly, as if she could see the invisible microbes plotting their attack.

microbe

NOUN

[/ˈmaɪkroʊb/]

a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus

a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus
💡 Concept

a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus

In a white robe, she seeks each microbe with her probe!
🎵 Rhyme

In a white robe, she seeks each microbe with her probe!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmaɪkroʊb/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmaɪkrəʊb/

🌳Etymology

Prefixmicro--
Rootbio
Suffix--be

Origin

Microbe derives from Greek elements 'micro' (small) and 'bios' (life), combining to mean 'tiny living organism'. The term gained widespread usage following the invention of the microscope, when scientists began discovering microscopic life forms invisible to the naked eye.

Breakdown

micro- (small, from Greek mikros) + bio- (life, from Greek bios) + -be (suffix forming agent noun). The complete form represents a microscopic organism or bacterium.

🎵Rhyme

robeprobeglobelobe
robe
probe
globe
lobe

🔗Collocations

harmful microbes
kill microbes
microbe infection
beneficial microbes
soil microbes
microbe resistance
study microbes

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The chef was shocked to discover that his 'secret ingredient' was actually just friendly microbes living in his sourdough starter.

Scientists study microbes to understand how they affect human health.

😄 Fun example

My grandmother always said to wash hands thoroughly, as if she could see the invisible microbes plotting their attack.

Antibiotics can eliminate harmful microbes from the body.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

bacteriumgermorganismpathogenbug

Antonyms

macroorganismmulticellular organism

Related

microscopebacteriavirusfungusmicrobiologyinfectionantibiotic

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.