pathogens

[/ˈpæθədʒənz/]
nounpl: pathogens
patógenos
1. Microorganisms or agents that cause disease in humans, animals, or plants
The laboratory identified several dangerous pathogens in the water sample.
O laboratório identificou vários patógenos perigosos na amostra de água.
2. Disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Scientists are studying how pathogens spread through populations.
Cientistas estão estudando como os patógenos se propagam através das populações.
The term 'patógenos' is predominantly used in scientific, medical, and academic contexts in both Brazil and Portugal. Its usage increased significantly in public discourse following the COVID-19 pandemic, when discussions about viral pathogens became part of everyday conversation in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
disease agentsmicroorganismsinfectious agentsgerms
Antonyms / Antônimos
antibodiesimmunogens

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
patógenos
Most common medical and scientific term
Portugal
agentes patogénicos
More formal alternative used in Portuguese medical literature
General Portuguese
microrganismos causadores de doença
Descriptive alternative in less technical contexts

Related Words

pathogenicpathogenesisinfectiondiseasebacteriavirusimmunity

Related Idioms & Phrases

fight off pathogens
expose to pathogens
pathogen transmission
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