Pathology Meaning and Definition
Pathology
Pronunciation
/ˈp æθ ə ˌl ɒ dʒ i /
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The study or science of the nature of diseases, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek pathos, meaning “suffering” or “disease”, and logos, meaning “study” or “science”.
Usage Notes
Pathology is often used in medical contexts, particularly in the field of medicine, to understand the underlying causes of diseases and develop effective treatments.
Additional Information
Pathology is a crucial field in healthcare, as it helps healthcare professionals diagnose and treat diseases more accurately. There are several types of pathology, including anatomic pathology, which focuses on the study of tissues and cells, and clinical pathology, which focuses on the study of bodily fluids and secretions.
Pathologists play a vital role in the healthcare system, as they work closely with other medical professionals to diagnose and treat diseases. They use various techniques, including microscopy and molecular biology, to examine tissues and cells, and to identify abnormalities that may indicate the presence of disease.
Cultural References
Pathology has been featured in several popular TV shows and movies, including “House M.D.” and “The Walking Dead”, where medical professionals use their knowledge of pathology to diagnose and treat patients or to understand the spread of diseases.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Pathological liar” refers to someone who frequently and habitually lies.
Related Words or Phrases
- Disease
- Symptom
- Treatment
Collocations
- Pathology lab
- Pathology report
- Pathology test
Frequency of Use
Pathology is a technical term that is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. It is not typically used in everyday conversation, but it is essential in health care settings and medical research.
Common Misspellings
pathalogiy, pathalogy