Pathway: meaning, definitions and examples

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pathway

 

[ ˈpæθˌweɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in medicine

A pathway is a sequence of steps or actions that need to be taken to achieve a certain goal or result. It is often used in the context of treatment plans, diagnostic procedures, or disease pathways.

Synonyms

course, method, route

Examples of usage

  • The pathway to recovery for the patient includes physical therapy and medication.
  • The diagnostic pathway for this rare condition involves a series of specialized tests.
Context #2 | Noun

in biology

In biology, a pathway refers to a series of chemical reactions within a cell or organism that lead to a specific biological outcome. These pathways are crucial for various cellular processes such as metabolism, growth, and signaling.

Synonyms

course, process, route

Examples of usage

  • The glycolysis pathway is essential for energy production in cells.
  • The insulin signaling pathway regulates glucose uptake in the body.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A pathway can also refer to a designated route or trail for walking or traveling, often found in parks, gardens, or natural areas.

Synonyms

footpath, trail, walkway

Examples of usage

  • We followed the pathway through the forest to reach the waterfall.
  • The pathways in the botanical garden are beautifully landscaped.

Translations

Translations of the word "pathway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caminho

🇮🇳 मार्ग

🇩🇪 Weg

🇮🇩 jalur

🇺🇦 шлях

🇵🇱 ścieżka

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 chemin

🇪🇸 camino

🇹🇷 yol

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 مسار

🇨🇿 cesta

🇸🇰 cesta

🇨🇳 路径

🇸🇮 pot

🇮🇸 leið

🇰🇿 жол

🇬🇪 გზა

🇦🇿 yol

🇲🇽 camino

Word origin

The word 'pathway' originated from the combination of 'path' and 'way', both of which have Old English roots. 'Path' traces back to the Latin word 'pāthos', meaning 'path' or 'way', while 'way' comes from the Old English 'weg', also meaning 'way'. The concept of a pathway has been integral to human civilization, from ancient trade routes to modern medical and biological research. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various fields, reflecting the interconnected nature of paths, routes, and processes in different contexts.

See also: antipathy, apathy, empath, path, pathetic, pathfinder, pathogen, pathogenicity.