WordValepathology
the study of the causes and effects of disease
In more detail
1. (noun) the study of diseases and how they develop in the body
2. (noun) a disease or abnormal condition in the body or mind
Examples
- 1. She studied pathology in medical school to learn how cancer develops.
- 2. The patient's pathology showed signs of chronic inflammation.
How to use pathology
Pathology is used primarily in medical contexts to refer either to the scientific discipline examining disease mechanisms and tissue changes, or to a specific disease or abnormal condition itself. It is more technical and precise than the general term 'disease', and is common in clinical diagnoses, medical education, and professional medical communication.
Common phrases
- study of pathology
- clinical pathology
- forensic pathology
- underlying pathology
- cardiac pathology
- pathology report
Synonyms
disease · disorder · abnormality · condition · illness
Opposites
health · wellness
Word family
pathological · pathologist · pathophysiology
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse pathology with psychology or psychiatry; pathology is about diseases and physical abnormalities, not mental health treatment or psychological disorders (though mental disorders can have an underlying pathology).
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD