CEFR C1

xenobiont

noun

Meaning

An organism or molecule that is foreign or alien to the host organism, especially one that lives in or on the host and may cause harm.

Examples

  • The research focused on identifying the specific xenobiont responsible for the plant's disease.
  • Antibiotics are designed to target and eliminate harmful xenobionts within the body.

Synonyms: pathogen, parasite, invader, foreign body