pathogenesis
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pathogenesis
From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at 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.
Vocabulary lists containing pathogenesis
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This is the first study to highlight the key role of biomechanical forces in the pathogenesis of early-onset CRC," said Jacopo Ferruzzi, Ph.D.,
From Science Daily ● Jan. 24, 2026
The results also align with earlier rodent studies showing that inadequate choline intake in mice can lead to obesity, metabolic problems and increased Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025
"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
This conclusion is, as is seen, inevitable, if we believe in the Freudian theory of the pathogenesis of the tics.
From The Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Volume 10 by Various
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