multifactorial

adjective

mul·​ti·​fac·​to·​ri·​al ˌməl-tē-fak-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

-ˌtī-

1

: caused or marked by a polygenic mode of inheritance dependent on a number of genes at different loci

The essence of multifactorial (polygenic) inheritance is that a single component of the phenotype (a single character) can be controlled by several independent gene loci.

—Ernst Mayr

also : caused by or dependent on the interaction of multiple genes combined with one or more environmental factors

Breast cancer is what scientists call "multifactorial" in that a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role.

—Francesca Lyman

2

or multifactor

ˌməl-tē-ˈfak-tər 

-ˌtī-

: having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes

a multifactorial approach

multifactor authentication

Ligament damage, particularly in a throwing arm, is a complex, multifactorial process.

—Matt McCarthy

multifactorially

ˌməl-tē-fak-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē 

-ˌtī-

adverb

Examples of multifactorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Existing research has explained autism as a multifactorial condition that is influenced heavily by genetics. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025

Researchers and clinicians say the causes are likely multifactorial, involving both biological and environmental influences. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition, rooted largely in genetics. —Alice Kuo and Emily Hotez, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

Type 2 diabetes is considered a multifactorial disease (having many contributing factors). —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for multifactorial

• ambassadorial
• combinatorial
• conspiratorial
• gladiatorial
• gubernatorial
• inquisitorial
• mediatorial
• prosecutorial
• supratentorial
• arboreal
• armorial
• authorial

Medical Definition

multifactorial

adjective

mul·​ti·​fac·​to·​ri·​al -fak-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr- 

1

: caused or marked by a polygenic mode of inheritance dependent on a number of genes at different loci

The essence of multifactorial (polygenic) inheritance is that a single component of the phenotype (a single character) can be controlled by several independent gene loci.

—Ernst Mayr

also : caused by or dependent on the interaction of multiple genes combined with one or more environmental factors

Breast cancer is what scientists call "multifactorial" in that a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role.

—Francesca Lyman

2

or multifactor

-ˈfak-tər 

: having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes

a multifactorial study

a disease with a multifactorial etiology

Ligament damage, particularly in a throwing arm, is a complex, multifactorial process.

—Matt McCarthy

multifactorially

-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

multifactoriality

-ˌtōr-ē-ˈal-ət-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

noun

plural multifactorialities