1. An organism or agent that causes disease in a host; a pathogen.
Usage: Chiefly British and technical usage; 'pathogen' is more common in modern English.

Examples

• The pathogene responsible for the infection was identified in the laboratory.
• Bacteria and viruses are common pathogenes that affect human health.
• The study examined how the pathogene spreads through the population.
• Researchers worked to develop treatments that target the specific pathogene.