# microbiology

/ˌmaɪkɹəˌbaɪˈɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /mˌaɪkɹəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/microbiology
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the study of tiny living things that are too small to see without a microscope, like bacteria and viruses.

For teachers: the branch of biology concerned with the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.

## Examples

- She is studying microbiology to understand how bacteria grow.
- Advances in microbiology have allowed researchers to develop more effective antibiotics against resistant strains of bacteria.
- The curriculum integrates microbiology with immunology to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how microscopic pathogens interact with the human immune system.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the academic field; can be countable when referring to the specific microbial life of a particular environment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.