微生物 wēishēngwù microorganism
How to remember 微生物: 微 small + 生 life + 物 thing = microorganism.
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How it is used
- The scientific term for microorganism - 微生物在发酵中起作用 (wēishēngwù zài fājiào zhōng qǐ zuòyòng) microbes play a role in fermentation.
- Umbrella term covering 细菌 (bacteria), 病毒 (viruses), 真菌 (fungi); use it when you mean microbes generally.
- Biology/health register; 微生物学 is microbiology.