pathology

/pə'θɔlədʤi/
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Thân thiện
pathology

A scientist examines a tissue sample under a microscope in a pathology lab.

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.
pathology

A scientist examines a tissue sample under a microscope in a pathology lab.

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