Microorganisms: meaning, definitions and examples
🦠
microorganisms
[ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈɔːr.ɡə.nɪz.əmz ]
Definition
study of
Microorganisms are tiny living creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Microorganisms play a crucial role in various ecological processes and can be both beneficial and harmful to humans.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| microorganisms |
Used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to refer to tiny living things that can be bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
|
| germs |
Commonly used in everyday language to refer to harmful microorganisms that cause disease. Often used when discussing hygiene and health, especially with children.
|
| microbes |
Often used in scientific or academic settings to refer to microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
|
| bugs |
Used informally in everyday conversation, often to refer to small insects or sometimes microbes that cause illness.
|
Examples of usage
- Microorganisms are studied in the field of microbiology.
- Microorganisms are responsible for decomposition of organic matter.
- Microorganisms can cause diseases in humans.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word combines 'micro', meaning small, from Greek, and 'organism', which refers to a living thing, originating from the Latin 'organismus'.
- First used in the 19th century, the term helped scientists identify and classify these small creatures as distinct from larger ones.
- Microorganisms are a diverse group that includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Science
- These organisms play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil.
- Some microorganisms are essential for human health, residing in our gut and helping us digest food.
- Bioremediation utilizes certain microorganisms to clean up pollutants and toxins from the environment.
Health
- Pathogenic microorganisms can cause diseases like flu and food poisoning, leading to the importance of hygiene and vaccinations.
- Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, are often used in foods and supplements to promote digestive health.
- Antibiotics are designed to target harmful bacteria, revolutionizing medicine by effectively treating bacterial infections.
Technology
- Genetic engineering often involves microorganisms to produce insulin and other important biological substances.
- Microorganisms are used in biofuels, turning organic materials into energy through fermentation processes.
- Advancements in microbiome research are paving the way for personalized medicine based on an individual's microbial composition.
Culture
- Fermentation, which relies on microorganisms, has been used for centuries in food preservation and flavor enhancement.
- The production of cheese, yogurt, and bread heavily depends on specific microorganisms that give each food its unique taste and texture.
- Traditional alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are created through the fermentation process, highlighting the cultural importance of these tiny creatures.
Translations
Translations of the word "microorganisms" in other languages:
🇵🇹 microrganismos
🇮🇳 सूक्ष्मजीव
🇩🇪 Mikroorganismen
🇮🇩 mikroorganisme
🇺🇦 мікроорганізми
🇵🇱 mikroorganizmy
🇯🇵 微生物 (びせいぶつ)
🇫🇷 microorganismes
🇪🇸 microorganismos
🇹🇷 mikroorganizmalar
🇰🇷 미생물 (微生物)
🇸🇦 الكائنات الدقيقة
🇨🇿 mikroorganismy
🇸🇰 mikroorganizmy
🇨🇳 微生物 (wēishēngwù)
🇸🇮 mikroorganizmi
🇮🇸 örverur
🇰🇿 микроорганизмдер
🇬🇪 მიკროორგანიზმები
🇦🇿 mikroorqanizmlər
🇲🇽 microorganismos