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

"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

"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

Given that many underlying causes of infertility in humans, especially in cases of spermatogenic failure, remain elusive, the findings of this study are anticipated to contribute significantly to understanding the pathogenesis of male infertility.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

L�ffler, too, in the diphtheria of calves, found that the germ was longer and more delicate than that of man, and that its pathogenesis for rodents was less, guinea pigs having only a nonfatal abscess.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry