Enteropathogenic

/ˌɛntərəpæθoʊˈdʒɛnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Capable of causing disease or illness in the intestines, usually referring to bacteria or viruses that attack intestinal tissue.

Etymology

From Greek 'enteron' (intestine) + 'pathos' (disease) + '-genic' (causing or producing). The word combines roots to describe organisms that specifically generate intestinal diseases.

Kelly Says

Some bacteria like enteropathogenic E. coli are specialized assassins of the intestinal world—they evolved specific weapons to attack your gut lining, which is why they cause such severe diarrhea compared to harmless gut bacteria.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.