The term "culture medium" refers to a nutrient-rich environment that supports the growth and development of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi. It typically consists of essential nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, vitamins, and trace elements, which are provided in appropriate concentrations for optimal growth. The culture medium can be liquid or solid, depending on the requirements of the organism being cultured. In biotechnology applications, specific culture media may also contain additional components to enhance the production of desired products, such as enzymes, hormones, or other bioactive compounds.