Antibiont

/ˌæntɪˈbaɪɑːnt/ noun

Definition

A living organism or substance that opposes or fights against other microorganisms, especially pathogenic ones.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + -biont (from Greek bios, life). This rare scientific term emerged in microbiology to describe organisms that naturally antagonize pathogens through chemical or biological means.

Kelly Says

The human gut is full of antibionts—helpful bacteria that outcompete disease-causing microbes for food and space! Your immune system is basically an antibiont defense force.

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