微生物 (wēi shēng wù): microorganism

Yogurt contains many microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria; during fermentation, these microorganisms turn milk into sweet and tangy yogurt.

Doctors remind us that washing hands frequently can effectively reduce microorganisms on our hands and prevent germs from entering the body.

In the laboratory, scientists observed microorganisms in a drop of pond water under a microscope and found that they come in different shapes: some look like small spheres, and some like thin threads.

Countless microorganisms live in the soil; they decompose fallen leaves and animal remains, returning nutrients to the earth so that plants can grow.

Mom put the leftovers in the refrigerator because low temperatures can slow down the reproduction of microorganisms, so the food won't spoil easily.