pathogenesis

American  

[path-uh-jen-uh-sis] / ˌpæθ əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

Also pathogeny

noun

1. the production and development of disease.

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pathogenesis British  

/ pəˈθɒdʒɪnɪ, ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs, ˌpæθəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. the origin, development, and resultant effects of a disease

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Other Word Forms

• pathogenetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pathogenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; patho-, -genesis

Explanation

The medical term pathogenesis means the source of a disease. Your doctor might guess that the pathogenesis of your ear infection was a bad cold that caused congestion and swelling. If you ask your doctor, "How did I get chickenpox?" you're asking about the pathogenesis of an illness that gave you an itchy rash and a high fever. The word stems from the Greek pathos, "suffering or disease," and genesis, "origin." In medical terms, pathogenesis lays out the biological progression of a disease from its origin to the symptoms it caused that sent you to your doctor's office.

Example Sentences

"Only recently, with a number of breakthroughs in the field, did people begin to believe that the vascular system is involved in AD pathogenesis," Norris says.

From Science Daily • Oct. 22, 2025

"We hope these advancements will enhance studies in biology, biophysics and biomedicine, where intricate interactions at the nanoscale are key to understanding cellular function in health and pathogenesis."

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2024

"We created a model of hibernation, which is so critical to understanding of the pathogenesis of the infection."

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2024

Among the various factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this condition is the loss of the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective protective cellular barrier that prevents harmful chemicals from entering the brain through the blood.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

It is safe to say that not one in ten of those who practice the healing art has ever used it or is familiar with its pathogenesis.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock