diathesis

American  

[dahy-ath-uh-sis] / daɪˈæθ ə sɪs /

noun

plural

diatheses

1. Pathology. a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or other abnormal state of the body or mind.

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diathesis British  

/ ˌdaɪəˈθɛtɪk, daɪˈæθɪsɪs /

noun

1. a hereditary or acquired susceptibility of the body to one or more diseases

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Other Word Forms

• diathetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diathesis

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek diáthesis arrangement, disposition. See dia-, thesis

Example Sentences

In this model, diathesis represents an individual's genetic predilections; which are mightily affected by other factors, often stress-inducing, in the individual's environment.

From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2017

Advance in chemistry has completely obliterated the significance of the observation on which the theory of a uric acid diathesis, as it was so learnedly called, as an explanation for these conditions was founded.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

Thus it often happens that at the very time when a man of rheumatic diathesis is in finest form, he is suddenly laid prostrate by the return of his foe.

From Turkish and Other Baths A Guide to Good Health and Longevity by Stables, Gordon

Is it possible for one hereditary constitution or diathesis to become, in transmission, not only modified, but transmuted, into another?

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Thus each of the three personages receives the proper specific for his case; Christ divines the treatment that every particular diathesis requires.

From Pastor Pastorum by Latham, Rev. Henry