Definition
microbiota
noun
- the community of microscopic organisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit a particular environment, especially the human body or soil
Usage: often used in scientific and medical contexts; can refer to microorganisms in specific locations (gut microbiota, oral microbiota) or in general
Examples
- The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion and immune function.
- Scientists study the microbiota of soil to understand nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
- A healthy microbiota can help protect against harmful infections.
- The microbiota in your mouth includes hundreds of different bacterial species.
- Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of your intestinal microbiota.
- Researchers are investigating how diet affects the composition of the microbiota.