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Definition of pathology

pathology

/pəˈθɑː.lə.dʒi/
pa · thol · o · gy

Adverb:pathologically
•
Plural:pathologies
•
Adjective:pathological
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pathology Lexical Profile

pathology Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The branch of medical science that investigates the causes, nature, processes, and effects of diseases, often through the laboratory examination of body tissues and fluids.

Example

"After completing medical school, she decided to specialize in clinical pathology."


2

The physical or functional manifestations, abnormalities, or structural changes associated with a specific disease or injury.

Example

"The MRI scan revealed no underlying spinal pathology to explain his chronic back pain."


3

Any extreme, harmful, or abnormal deviation from a healthy or normal social, psychological, or behavioral condition.

Example

"The sociologist's latest book examines the deep-seated social pathologies caused by long-term economic inequality."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pathology

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French pathologie, from Ancient Greek pathologia ('the study of passions or diseases'), combining pathos ('suffering, feeling, disease') and -logia ('study of').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pathology. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pathology
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