microbio

microbe

noun mee-KROH-byoh Rare

Origin: From Greek mikros ('small') + bios ('life'), coined in 19th-century scientific Latin.

Also means

germ

Usage Note

Microbio is the everyday word for a microbe or germ in general conversation, used in both scientific and informal contexts. In technical writing, microorganismo is preferred. Colloquially, microbio can also be used affectionately — or mockingly — for a very small person or child. The plural microbios is regular.

Examples

"Los microbios se destruyen al hervir el agua."

Natural Translation

Microbes are destroyed when water is boiled.

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