pathophysiology

noun

path·​o·​phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌpa-thō-ˌfi-zē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
: the physiology of abnormal states
specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease
pathophysiological adjective
or pathophysiologic

Examples of pathophysiology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rogers’ scholarship focuses on advanced pathophysiology. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Brain injury after cardiac arrest: pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis Resuscitation. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 Long-term, mandated innovation education needs to be integrated into medical schools and residencies the same way pathophysiology, medical ethics, and other core knowledge is required today. Marc Succi, STAT, 24 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Pathophysiologie, from patho- patho- + Physiologie physiology

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathophysiology was in 1925

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pathophysiology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathophysiology. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

pathophysiology

noun
patho·​phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy -ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
plural pathophysiologies
: the physiology of abnormal states
specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease
pathophysiological adjective
or pathophysiologic
pathophysiologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pathophysiology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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