pathology

noun

pa·​thol·​o·​gy pə-ˈthä-lə-jē 

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 crime

—Wendy Kaminer

social pathology

Examples of pathology in a Sentence

the pathology of lung diseases

Recent Examples on the Web

While some vocal activist investors target healthy firms, modeling a form of corporate extortion that channels the greenmailer heritage, others draw on the original noble mission of showcasing genuine governance pathologies. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 May 2024

And are partly arising from changes intrinsic to the pathology in the nerve cells, so that the pattern of genes expressed by that nerve cell are altered in a variety of ways. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

Both cases, in which he was accused of using the coroner’s office to benefit his private pathology practice, started hotly — in 2006 federal authorities initially brought 84 counts against him. —Clay Risen, New York Times, 17 May 2024

Werner Spitz’s career of more than 60 years traced to the early days of modern forensic pathology, and his textbook on the topic remains a gold standard in the field. —Trip Gabriel, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

pathology

noun

pa·​thol·​o·​gy pə-ˈthäl-ə-jē 

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 

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