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Etiology: meaning, definitions and examples

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etiology

 

[ iːtiˈɒlədʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical science

Etiology is the study of the causes or origins of diseases. It encompasses various factors that contribute to a particular condition, including biological, environmental, and genetic influences. Understanding etiology is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Synonyms

cause, origin, source

Examples of usage

  • The etiology of diabetes is complex and involves both genetic and lifestyle factors.
  • Researchers are investigating the etiology of various autoimmune diseases.
  • The etiology of the outbreak was traced back to contaminated water.
  • Rehabilitation often depends on a thorough understanding of the etiology of the injury.

Translations

Translations of the word "etiology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 etiologia

🇮🇳 कारणशास्त्र

🇩🇪 Ätiologie

🇮🇩 etiologi

🇺🇦 етіологія

🇵🇱 etiologia

🇯🇵 病因学

🇫🇷 étiologie

🇪🇸 etiología

🇹🇷 etioloji

🇰🇷 병인론

🇸🇦 علم الأسباب

🇨🇿 etiologie

🇸🇰 etiológia

🇨🇳 病因学

🇸🇮 etiologija

🇮🇸 frumkvöðlun

🇰🇿 этиология

🇬🇪 ეთიოლოგია

🇦🇿 etiologiya

🇲🇽 etiología

Etymology

The term 'etiology' comes from the Greek word 'aitiologia', where 'aitia' means 'cause' and 'logia' means 'study of'. The concept of understanding the causes of diseases has been present since ancient times in medical practice. However, the formalization of etiology as a distinct field of study began in the 19th century, coinciding with advancements in microbiology and the establishment of germ theory. This evolution allowed scientists and physicians to identify specific pathogens and factors responsible for illnesses, leading to improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Over time, the scope of etiology has expanded to include psychological, social, and environmental determinants of health, reflecting a more holistic view of disease causation. Today, etiology remains a vital area of research in medicine, public health, and epidemiology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,811, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.