Microorganism

Microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

microbe germ

Microorganisms are microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

/ˈmaɪk.roʊˌɔːr.ɡə.nɪzəm/

From Greek mikros (small) and organismos (living being).

Microorganisms are tiny living things, like bacteria and viruses, that you need a microscope to see.

Some microorganisms can survive extreme temperatures, like hot springs or frozen glaciers
Microorganisms play a vital role in recycling nutrients in the environment
Viruses are not considered living organisms by some scientists

What are microorganisms? They are living things too small to see with the naked eye
Do all microorganisms cause disease? No, many are helpful or harmless
Where can microorganisms be found? They're everywhere - in soil, water, and even inside our bodies

germ microbe

organism life form

bacteria virus fungus protozoa

ecosystem biosphere

biological natural object