Word
microbe
Phoneticsmi·crobe, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪˌkɹoʊb/
UK/mˈaɪkɹəʊb/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a very tiny living thing, like a bacterium, that you can only see with a microscope.
n. a microscopic organism, such as a bacterium, archaeon, fungus, protozoan, or microscopic alga. Present in virtually every environment, including soil, water, and the human body.
Examples
“Microbes live everywhere, even on your skin.”
“The doctor explains that most microbes in yogurt help digestion and do not cause disease.”
“Despite their invisibility, microbes shape soil fertility, ocean chemistry, and human immunity, forming vast ecosystems that scientists are only beginning to map in detail.”
Examples
simple
“Microbes live everywhere, even on your skin.”
contextual
“The doctor explains that most microbes in yogurt help digestion and do not cause disease.”
complex
“Despite their invisibility, microbes shape soil fertility, ocean chemistry, and human immunity, forming vast ecosystems that scientists are only beginning to map in detail.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “microbe” in context.
Verb
01. contain microbe
“The laboratory must contain microbes safely inside sealed tubes.”
verb + noun
02. destroy microbe
“High temperatures destroy microbes on kitchen surfaces.”
verb + noun
03. kill microbe
“Boiling water for one minute will kill most microbes.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. beneficial microbe
“Yogurt contains beneficial microbes that help your digestion.”
adj + noun
05. harmful microbe
“Washing your hands helps remove harmful microbes from your skin.”
adj + noun
06. infectious microbe
“Doctors wear masks to avoid breathing in infectious microbes.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. colony of microbe
“A colony of microbes grew on the laboratory dish overnight.”
noun + prep + noun
08. community of microbe
“The gut hosts a diverse community of microbes that aid digestion.”
noun + prep + noun
09. beneficial microbes in the gut
“Beneficial microbes in the gut help break down food.”
10. contain the spread of microbes
“Hospitals clean regularly to contain the spread of microbes.”
11. exposed to harmful microbes
“Farm workers may be exposed to harmful microbes in the soil.”
12. kill 99% of microbes
“This spray claims to kill 99% of microbes on contact.”
Real-World Examples
“Three bacteria species were studied: Deinococcus radiodurans, a soil-borne microbe known for withstanding cold and radiation; Staphylococcus aureus, often found on the skin and inside nasal passages; and Bacillus subtilis, found in soil, vegetation and the human gastrointestinal tract.” “After all, the skin relies on its community of helpful microbes to perform essential functions.” “In other words, almost immediately after disinfecting the surfaces, microbes had already begun to re-colonise the worktops.” Etymology
From French microbe, from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós, “small”) and βίος (bíos, “life”). By surface analysis, micro- + -obe.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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