microbiology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “microbiology” mean?
The scientific study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.
The branch of biology dealing with the structure, function, uses, and modes of existence of microscopic organisms. It encompasses various sub-disciplines including medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, and microbial genetics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'analyse' vs. 'analyze' in microbiological methods).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “microbiology” in a Sentence
[subject] studies microbiology[subject] specializes in microbiologythe microbiology of [place/organism]a lecture/course in microbiologyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microbiology” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The sample was analysed microbiologically.
- The process is microbiologically safe.
American English
- The sample was analyzed microbiologically.
- The product is microbiologically stable.
adjective
British English
- The microbiological analysis of the water sample took several days.
- She works in a microbiological research unit.
American English
- Microbiological testing is standard for dairy products.
- He contributed to the microbiological guidelines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food production, and water treatment (e.g., 'Quality control requires stringent microbiology testing').
Academic
Core subject in biological sciences, medicine, and veterinary programs (e.g., 'Her PhD thesis contributed to soil microbiology').
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except in contexts of illness, food safety, or cleaning products (e.g., 'They mentioned something about microbiology in that documentary on gut health').
Technical
Precise term used in research papers, laboratory protocols, and scientific discourse (e.g., 'Metagenomics has revolutionized environmental microbiology').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microbiology”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microbiology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microbiology”
- Misspelling as 'micro-biology' (hyphen usually omitted in modern usage).
- Confusing with 'microbiology' (the study of very small things in general, not just living organisms).
- Using as a plural noun (e.g., 'The microbiologies are diverse' – incorrect; 'The fields of microbiology are diverse' – correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bacteriology is a sub-discipline of microbiology focused exclusively on bacteria, while microbiology encompasses all microscopic organisms including viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Historically and fundamentally, yes. While modern techniques like DNA sequencing don't always directly use microscopes, observation, isolation, and identification of microbes still fundamentally rely on microscopy.
No. While medical microbiology deals with pathogens, the vast majority of microbes are harmless or beneficial. Microbiology also studies microbes essential for fermentation, waste decomposition, nutrient cycling, and even human digestion.
Careers include clinical microbiologist in hospitals, quality control analyst in food/pharmaceutical industries, research scientist in academia or biotech, public health officer, and science writer/communicator.
The scientific study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.
Microbiology is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Microbiology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.krəʊ.baɪˈɒl.ə.dʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.kroʊ.baɪˈɑː.lə.dʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MICRO' (tiny) + 'BIO' (life) + 'LOGY' (study of) = the study of tiny life forms.
Conceptual Metaphor
MICROBIOLOGY IS EXPLORATION (exploring the unseen world), MICROBIOLOGY IS WARFARE (fighting pathogens).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with the field of microbiology?