micro-organism
3.9
A very small living thing like bacteria or fungi that you can only see with a microscope
- noun
- /ˌmaɪkroʊˈɔːrɡənɪzəm/
- UK
:
microorganismo
- Scientists study micro-organisms to understand their role in the environment.
Examples
-
Some micro-organisms can cause diseases, while others are beneficial for our health.
-
All micro-organisms move, Jason, if you could see them with the naked eye.
-
Micro-organisms are essential for processes like fermentation and decomposition.
Synonyms
germ
vsmicro-organism
138
1.0
A tiny living thing that can make people ill
is the general scientific term for tiny lifeforms whether harmful or not
microbe
vsmicro-organism
62
5.1
A very small living thing, like a bacterium, that can cause disease
is the scientific general term for any organism too small to be seen
9.9
A very small single-celled creature that you can see with a microscope, like an amoeba
includes all tiny living things, not only single-celled protozoans
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word micro-organism comes from the Greek parts micro- 'small' and organism 'living thing'. A helpful way to remember is that micro- also appears in microscope, a tool to see very small things, so a micro-organism is a very small living thing you usually need a microscope to see.