multifactorial

adjective

mul·​ti·​fac·​to·​ri·​al ˌməl-tē-fak-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce multifactorial (audio)
-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 : 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 adverb

Examples of multifactorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Currently, the treatment of muscle wasting remains complex, as the cause varies greatly from person to person and may be multifactorial. Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024 This supports the opinion that ALS has multifactorial causes and that genetic testing should be routinely offered as a standard of care. Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 6 July 2024 Obstructive sleep apnea is a multifactorial problem, so there are multiple things that need to be addressed. Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024 While the reasons for this are multifactorial and still not fully understood, what has become painfully clear is that women need to be proactive in taking control of their own breast health, insisting upon early detection measures that could have a profound impact on their health trajectory. Clare Dougherty, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for multifactorial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multifactorial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multifactorial was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near multifactorial

Cite this Entry

“Multifactorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multifactorial. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

multifactorial

adjective
mul·​ti·​fac·​to·​ri·​al -fak-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr- How to pronounce multifactorial (audio)
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 : 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 adverb
multifactoriality noun
plural multifactorialities
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