microflora

American

[mahy-kroh-flawr-uh, -flohr-uh] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈflɔr ə, -ˈfloʊr ə /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

plural

microfloras, microflorae

Biology. microscopic plants.
Ecology. the flora of a microhabitat.

microflora British

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌflɔːrə /

noun

the community of microorganisms, including algae, fungi, and bacteria that live in or on another living organism or in a particular habitat

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

microfloral adjective

Etymology

Origin of microflora

First recorded in 1900–05; micro- + flora

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The biofilm formed by Lactobacillus bacteria proved to be extremely sensitive to the substance, raising concerns about potential harm to the intestinal microflora.

From Science Daily

Some winemakers choose to eschew the addition of commercial yeast, relying on the native microflora in and on the grapes to do the job.

From Salon

The results were compelling, demonstrating the strains' effectiveness in reducing body fat and rectifying the imbalances in intestinal microflora induced by obesity.

From Science Daily

The soil became very carbon rich and supported a rich flora and a rich microflora.

From Salon

The goal is to develop an oral treatment for calves that, once administered, will continue repopulating their rumen with the genetically modified microflora.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023