diathesis

noun

di·​ath·​e·​sis dī-ˈa-thə-səs How to pronounce diathesis (audio)
plural diatheses dī-ˈa-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce diathesis (audio)
: a constitutional predisposition toward a particular state or condition and especially one that is abnormal or diseased
diathetic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web So psychologists have come up with a hypothesis called diathesis stress model which sort of explains why certain vulnerabilities emerge. Fox News, 26 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diathesis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, literally, arrangement, from diatithenai to arrange, from dia- + tithenai to set — more at do

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diathesis was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near diathesis

Cite this Entry

“Diathesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diathesis. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

diathesis

noun
di·​ath·​e·​sis dī-ˈath-ə-səs How to pronounce diathesis (audio)
plural diatheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce diathesis (audio)
: a constitutional predisposition toward a particular state or condition and especially one that is abnormal or diseased
diathetic adjective
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