Merriam-Webster Welcomes 'Microbiome' To The English Language

Gut bacteria have been enjoying a moment in the spotlight, with an explosion of new research pointing to the microbiome as a key player in a host of physical and mental health conditions.

In addition to a legitimate medical concept, the microbiome is a huge trend that’s spurred countless books, supplements, diet trends and even at-home testing kits. Now, it looks like that trend is officially here to stay.

This week, Merriam-Webster added “microbiome” to the English dictionary, defining the noun as “a community of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit a particular environment and especially the collection of microorganisms living in or on the human body.”

The dictionary’s more than 1,000 additions also include the somewhat less scientific “binge-watch,” “Seussian” and “face-palm.”