Microorganism

How it is used

A general scientific word used in textbooks, specifications and lab reports. In speech people often say 'microbes', and 'micro' for the lab or the tests: 'send it to micro'. Microorganisms are grouped into spoilage organisms, pathogens and useful ones such as starter cultures and probiotics.

Example sentences

1. The packaging film is a barrier to oxygen, moisture and microorganisms.

2. Lowering the pH below 4.0 stops most microorganisms in the sauce from growing.

Common collocations

• spoilage microorganisms
• pathogenic microorganisms
• beneficial microorganisms
• growth of microorganisms
• microbial load

Related terms

• bacteriaSingle-celled microorganisms that multiply quickly in suitable conditions; some cause food poisoning or spoilage, while others are used to make foods like yogurt and cheese.
• yeastA single-celled fungus that ferments sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide; it is used to make bread, beer and wine but can also spoil juices and sweet foods.
• moldA type of fungus that grows as fuzzy threads on food surfaces; it causes visible spoilage, and some types produce harmful toxins called mycotoxins.
• pathogenA microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus or parasite, that can cause disease in people who eat or drink a contaminated product.
• total plate countA laboratory count of all the aerobic bacteria in a sample that grow into colonies on an agar plate, used as a general indicator of hygiene and spoilage.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• microorganism · Biology

More terms: Food Microbiology

• spoilage
• foodborne illness
• Salmonella
• Listeria
• Clostridium botulinum