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pathway

American  
[path-wey, pahth-] / ˈpæθˌweɪ, ˈpɑθ- /

noun

  1. a path, course, route, or way. ways.

  2. Biochemistry. a sequence of reactions, usually controlled and catalyzed by enzymes, by which one organic substance is converted to another.


pathway British  
/ ˈpɑːθˌweɪ /

noun

  1. another word for path path

  2. a route to or way of access to; way of reaching or achieving something

  3. courses taken by a student to gain entry to a higher course or towards a final qualification

  4. biochem a chain of reactions associated with a particular metabolic process

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pathway Scientific  
/ păthwā′ /
  1. A chain of nerve fibers along which impulses normally travel.

  2. A sequence of enzymatic or other reactions by which one biological material is converted to another.


Other Word Forms

  • pathwayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of pathway

First recorded in 1530–40; path + way 1

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.

"These results suggest that healthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may share common biological pathways that improve cardiovascular health," Wu said.

From Science Daily

Specifically, we asked whether cancer cells could use these newly emerged RNA molecules to activate oncogenic pathways.

From Science Daily

Both premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which their producers credit as a key part of their pathway to the Academy Awards.

From Los Angeles Times

Thomas said the latest financial plan "sets a pathway towards reducing the island's reliance on general reserves despite a continuing need for significant public expenditure".

From BBC

Recent U.S. licensing activity tied to Venezuelan oil has created a potential pathway for limited investment, King Operating’s Young said.

From MarketWatch