What does microflora mean?
Microflora denotes the collection of microscopic organisms living in a particular place, especially on or within a larger organism. The term most often refers to bacteria and fungi associated with the skin, mouth, intestines, or other body sites, but it can also describe the microbial community of soil, water, food, or another environment. In medical writing, microflora emphasizes the organisms present and may be discussed in relation to balance, composition, and health. It is related to the broader term microbiome, but microflora more directly names the microorganisms themselves, while microbiome can also encompass their collective genetic material. The word is especially useful in discussions of biology, ecology, nutrition, and public health.
nounA collective term for the microorganisms, especially bacteria and fungi, present in a particular environment or on the surface of an organism. The term is commonly used in microbiology, medicine, and ecology.
- The microorganisms, especially bacteria and fungi, living in a particular environment or associated with a host organism.
- The collective microbial population of a body site, such as the skin, mouth, or intestines.
"The study examined how dietary fibre affects the gut microflora of healthy adults."
"Antibiotics can alter the vaginal microflora and cause discomfort."
"Researchers sampled the soil microflora to study its microbial diversity."
The plural is uncommon because microflora is normally used as a collective noun referring to a microbial community.
"The samples contained microfloras characteristic of the surrounding soil."
Your gut microflora is a microscopic ecosystem, and what you eat can influence the balance of organisms living there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does microflora come from?
Microflora combines the combining form micro-, meaning small or microscopic, with flora, a collective term for the plant life of a region or, by extension, an associated population of organisms. Flora comes from Latin flōra, associated with flōs, “flower,” and was adopted in biological terminology to refer collectively to plant life. The prefix micro- was added to indicate the microscopic members of such a community.
Related word forms
How microflora is actually used
Microflora is a technical or semi-technical term and is usually treated as a collective noun. It is often used in medical and biological contexts and is sometimes used loosely to refer to bacteria in general.
Easily confused with microflora
Microflora usually refers to the microorganisms themselves, whereas microbiome can also include their genetic material and the broader community of organisms in an environment.