CFU stands for "Colony Forming Unit," a term used in microbiology to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample. It represents the number of cells that can grow into a colony when cultured under specific conditions. CFUs are crucial for assessing microbial contamination in food, water, and clinical samples. In laboratory settings, scientists often use CFU counts to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments or to monitor the growth of bacteria in various environments. This measurement helps in understanding microbial populations and their potential impact on health and safety.