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Microbiology: meaning, definitions and examples

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microbiology

 

[ maɪkroʊˈbaɪəˌlɑːdʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific study

Microbiology is the branch of science that deals with the study of microorganisms, which are typically too small to be seen with the naked eye. This field encompasses various sub-disciplines, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and protozoology. Microbiologists study the structure, function, genetics, and interactions of these organisms both with each other and with their environments. The insights gained from microbiology have applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Synonyms

bacteriology, mycology, virology

Examples of usage

  • The microbiology lab conducts experiments on bacteria.
  • Understanding microbiology is crucial for developing new antibiotics.
  • Microbiology plays a key role in food safety.

Translations

Translations of the word "microbiology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 microbiologia

🇮🇳 सूक्ष्मजीव विज्ञान

🇩🇪 Mikrobiologie

🇮🇩 mikrobiologi

🇺🇦 мікробіологія

🇵🇱 mikrobiologia

🇯🇵 微生物学

🇫🇷 microbiologie

🇪🇸 microbiología

🇹🇷 mikrobiyoloji

🇰🇷 미생물학

🇸🇦 علم الأحياء الدقيقة

🇨🇿 mikrobiologie

🇸🇰 mikrobiológia

🇨🇳 微生物学

🇸🇮 mikrobiologija

🇮🇸 örverufræði

🇰🇿 микробиология

🇬🇪 მიკრობიოლოგია

🇦🇿 mikrobiologiya

🇲🇽 microbiología

Word origin

The term 'microbiology' is derived from the Greek words 'mikros', meaning 'small', and 'bios', meaning 'life'. It was coined in the mid-19th century, during a time of significant advancement in the understanding of microorganisms. Pioneers like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch were instrumental in establishing microbiology as a distinct scientific discipline. Their research in the late 1800s demonstrated that microorganisms could cause diseases, leading to the germ theory of disease. This crucial breakthrough not only advanced medicine but also laid the foundation for microbiological methods and practices we rely on today. The field has since evolved, incorporating modern techniques such as genetic analysis and molecular biology, which have expanded our understanding of microbial life and its impact on health, ecology, and industry.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,345, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.