Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Microbiology has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans
"Microbiology is essential for understanding how bacteria can cause diseases in humans."
The branch of biology that deals with microorganisms, especially their effects on man and other living organisms.
"Microbiologists study how bacteria and viruses affect human health to develop new treatments."
In plain English: Microbiology is the study of tiny living things that are too small to see without special equipment, such as bacteria and viruses.
"She decided to study microbiology in college because she wanted to learn how bacteria affect human health."
Usage: Microbiology is the scientific study of microscopic life forms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Use this term when referring to the specific field dedicated to understanding these tiny organisms rather than general biology or medicine.
The word microbiology combines the prefix micro-, meaning small, with biology to describe the scientific study of microscopic organisms. It entered English as a direct formation from these two Greek-derived roots to name this specific field of science.