pathology

Pathology is a branch of medical science that studies the causes and consequences of disease. (noun)

An example of pathology is when a scientist studies the causes of cancer.

See pathology in Webster's New World College Dictionary

the branch of medicine that deals with the nature of disease, esp. with the structural and functional changes caused by disease
all the conditions, processes, or results of a particular disease
any abnormal variation from a sound or proper condition

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See pathology in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(pă-thŏlˈə-jē)

noun pl. pa·thol·o·gies

The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. Also called pathobiology.
The anatomic or functional manifestations of a disease: the pathology of cancer.
A departure or deviation from a normal condition: “Neighborhoods plagued by a self-perpetuating pathology of joblessness, welfare dependency, crime” (Time).

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Learn more about pathology

» pathology synonyms

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» A Closer Look: Definition of Pathology

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