pathology

noun

pa·​thol·​o·​gy pə-ˈthä-lə-jē How to pronounce pathology (audio)
plural pathologies
1
: the study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them
studied plant pathology
2
: something abnormal:
a
: the structural and functional deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease
the pathology of pneumonia
b
: deviation from propriety or from an assumed normal state of something nonliving or nonmaterial
the pathology of wine
c
: deviation giving rise to social ills
connections between these pathologies … and crimeWendy Kaminer
social pathology

Examples of pathology in a Sentence

the pathology of lung diseases
Recent Examples on the Web Now, The Devil, Probably resurfaces during the vogue for outward pathologies, hidden grotesquerie — and the pseudo-intellectual agnosticism of Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist. Armond White, National Review, 25 Sep. 2024 Traumatic stress is most often what tips these traits and tendencies into pathologies or disabilities. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 Beauty, or our idea of it, is always rooted in deep desires, capitulations, and pathologies. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2024 Bone marrow transplants between mice can transmit symptoms and pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a controversial study published today in Stem Cell Reports. science.org, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pathology 

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & New Latin; Middle French pathologie, borrowed from New Latin pathologia "study of the emotions, study of diseases," from patho- patho- + -logia -logy

Note: Probably formed on the basis of New Latin pathologicus (see pathological). In the sense "study of the emotions," perhaps directly from Greek pathología "study of the passions," attested in Greek-Latin glossaries.

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathology was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near pathology

Cite this Entry

“Pathology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathology. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pathology

noun
pa·​thol·​o·​gy pə-ˈthäl-ə-jē How to pronounce pathology (audio)
plural pathologies
1
: the study of diseases and especially of the changes in the body produced by them
2
: something abnormal
especially : the disorders in structure and function that occur in a particular disease

Medical Definition

pathology

noun
pa·​thol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce pathology (audio)
plural pathologies
1
: the study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them
2
: the anatomic and physiological deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease
3
: a treatise on or compilation of abnormalities
a new pathology of the eye

More from Merriam-Webster on pathology

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