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; 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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pathogenesis

"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

These details can reveal how molecular interactions contribute to cellular functions, which is critical for advancing targeted therapies and understanding disease pathogenesis.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2024

The researchers emphasise that understanding the role of EBV in NPC's pathogenesis is crucial since the virus has 100% association with this cancer.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 15, 2024

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

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 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