What is a microorganism commonly referred to as?

A microorganism is commonly referred to as a microbe. This term encompasses a broad range of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The label "microbe" is useful because it groups together all these various types of organisms that are typically too small to be seen with the naked eye, highlighting their shared microscopic nature.

While specific microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, represent only subsets of the larger category of microbes, the term microbe encompasses them along with other types. Understanding this broader classification is important for recognizing the diverse roles that microorganisms play in ecosystems, human health, and disease. The term pathogen refers specifically to those microbes that can cause disease, but not all microbes are pathogens; many play beneficial roles in various environments.