Morbidity Meaning and Definition
Morbidity
Pronunciation
/ˈmɔːrˈbɪdɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state or condition of being diseased or unhealthy; a departure from a normal or healthy state.
Etymology
The word “morbidity” comes from the Latin words “mors,” meaning “death,” and “biditus,” meaning “disposition” or “condition.” It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe various aspects of unhealthy states, including disease and sickness.
Usage Notes
Morbidity is often used in medical contexts to describe the frequency or severity of diseases or conditions. It can also be used more broadly to describe any state or condition that is unhealthy or abnormal.
Additional Information
Morbidity rates are often used to measure the prevalence of a particular disease or condition within a population. Morbidity can have significant economic and social impacts, and is often a major healthcare concern. In addition to its medical uses, the concept of morbidity has been applied in fields such as epidemiology and demography to study the distribution and determinants of health outcomes.
Morbidity is often distinguished from mortality, which refers to the number of deaths within a population. Understanding the interplay between morbidity and mortality is crucial for developing effective healthcare policies and interventions.