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
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.
The point is this: Trump is back, and so, after only just a few days, are all of his pathologies. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025 The eruption of common pathologies in Lynch’s films could be financed by industry risk-takers, such as comedian and hitmaker Mel Brooks, who produced The Elephant Man. Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025 Chidester suggested sending the object to pathology for further analysis, but Pierce has opted to delay this step due to financial constraints. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 This bone comes from a Neanderthal child who exhibits multiple pathologies of the inner ear but still survived to at least the age of 6. Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pathology 

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 2 Feb. 2025.

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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