pathophysiology

noun

path·​o·​phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌpa-thō-ˌfi-zē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
: the physiology of abnormal states
specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease
pathophysiological
ˌpa-thō-ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
adjective
or pathophysiologic
ˌpa-thō-ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)

Examples of pathophysiology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The insensitivity to insulin is how type two diabetics lose control of their ability to regulate their blood glucose level and leads to the development and pathophysiology of diabetes. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 This extraordinary improvement in longevity is a testament to our advancements in the treatment and management of HIV, from discoveries and developments in anti-retroviral drugs, treatments for opportunistic infections, and insights into the pathophysiology of this fascinating virus. — Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2015

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Pathophysiologie, from patho- patho- + Physiologie physiology

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathophysiology was in 1925

Rhymes for pathophysiology

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Browse Nearby Words

pathophysiology
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Cite this Entry

“Pathophysiology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathophysiology. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

pathophysiology

noun
patho·​phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy -ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
plural pathophysiologies
: the physiology of abnormal states
specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease
pathophysiological
-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
adjective
or pathophysiologic
-ik How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
pathophysiologist
-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst How to pronounce pathophysiology (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pathophysiology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pathophysiology

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