microbism
Definition
Noun (uncountable): 1. Infection by microbes: "microbism" refers to the state or condition of being infected with or affected by microorganisms, especially pathogenic ones. - The patient's symptoms were attributed to a widespread microbism. (The condition resulted from microbial infection.)
- The presence of microbes: In a broader sense, "microbism" can denote the existence or activity of microbes in a given environment or organism.
- The laboratory tested the water sample for microbism. (They checked for the presence of microorganisms.)
Usage Examples
- (The wound was infected with microbes.)
- (The presence of harmful microbes has decreased.)
- (The role of microbial infection in long-term illnesses.)
Advanced Usage
"systemic microbism": an infection that spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream.
- Systemic microbism can lead to sepsis if not treated promptly. (A widespread microbial infection affecting the whole body.)
"localized microbism": an infection confined to a specific area or organ.
- The abscess was a case of localized microbism. (The infection was contained in one spot.)
Variants and Related Words
Microbe (n): a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
- The microbe responsible for the disease was identified under a microscope. (The tiny organism causing the illness.)
Microbial (adj): relating to or caused by microbes.
- Microbial growth in the food led to spoilage. (The growth of microorganisms.)
Microbiology (n): the branch of science dealing with microorganisms.
- She studied microbiology to understand microbism better. (The scientific study of tiny life forms.)
Synonyms
- Infection: the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body.
- Contamination: the presence of unwanted microorganisms in a substance or environment.
- Septicemia (specific): blood poisoning caused by microbes.
Related Idioms
Phrasal Verbs