aetiology

American  

[ee-tee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌi tiˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

aetiologies

1. etiology.

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aetiology British  

/ ˌiːtɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the philosophy or study of causation

2. the study of the causes of diseases

3. the cause of a disease

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Other Word Forms

• aetiologic adjective
• aetiological adjective
• aetiologically adverb
• aetiologist noun

Etymology

Origin of aetiology

C16: from Late Latin aetologia , from Greek aitiologia , from aitia cause

Example Sentences

My research team at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Nigeria, focuses on detecting and characterizing pathogens, so that we can identify the aetiology of previously inexplicable fevers in west Africa.

From Nature

Also, the community is encouraged to participate in research into the aetiology, prevention and treatment of past diseases as a guide to future responses.

From Nature

Finally, by and large, these medications are best for tackling conditions with a common genetic aetiology.

From Nature

The aetiology of the disease remains disputed, however; so, as three new books demonstrate, the proposed remedies differ wildly.

From Nature

“A better understanding of its aetiology may turn out to be really important,” Buetowsays.

From Nature