Definition

1. Noun:
   • The scientific study of diseases: "Pathology" is the branch of medicine that investigates the essential nature of disease, especially its causes, development, and structural and functional effects on the body.
   • Any deviation from a healthy or normal condition: "Pathology" can also refer to the specific, often abnormal, condition produced by a disease.

Usage

• As a field of study: "Pathology" is used to describe the medical specialty.
  • She decided to specialize in pathology.
• As a manifestation of disease: "Pathology" is used to describe the disease process itself.
  • The autopsy revealed significant cardiac pathology.

Examples

• Noun (Field of Study):
  • The hospital's pathology department analyzes tissue samples.
  • Advances in molecular pathology have improved cancer diagnosis.
• Noun (Disease Condition):
  • The doctor explained the pathology behind the patient's symptoms.
  • Chronic inflammation is a common pathology in autoimmune disorders.

Advanced Usage

• "Speech pathology": The study and treatment of speech and language disorders. This is a specific application within the broader field.
  • He visited a speech pathology clinic for therapy.
• "Forensic pathology": A sub-specialty focusing on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse.
  • The forensic pathology report was crucial for the investigation.

Variants and Related Words

• Pathological (adj): Relating to or caused by disease; also used figuratively to mean compulsive or extreme.
  • The tumor was found to be pathological. (related to disease)
  • He is a pathological liar. (figurative, meaning compulsive)
• Pathologist (n): A medical doctor who specializes in pathology.
  • The pathologist examined the biopsy under a microscope.

Synonyms

• Morbid anatomy: An older term for the study of structural changes caused by disease.
• Disease process: A phrase describing the sequence of events that constitute a disease.

Related Phrases

• Clinical pathology: The branch of pathology dealing with the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids (like blood) for diagnosis.
  • The results from clinical pathology confirmed the infection.
• Surgical pathology: The branch of pathology dealing with the microscopic examination of tissues removed during surgery.
  • The surgical pathology report will determine if the margins are clear.

Noun

1. any deviation from a healthy or normal condition
2. the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases