pathology

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pathology" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to the scientific study of disease, especially the structural and functional changes produced by it. For example, "He studied the pathology of cancer in his research paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hockey made the comments during a radio interview on Thursday as he continued to push the case for the tough measures outlined in the Abbott government's first budget, including a new $7 co-payment to visit a GP or access out-of-hospital pathology and diagnostic imaging services from July next year.

The Guardian

Open Thu-Sun 2pm-6pm SinuAmsterdammsterdam's hip Oud-West neighbourhood and occupying a foreboding brick building that used to house an anatomical pathology laboratory, this project space offers art alongside a lot more.

The Guardian - Travel

Global warming is a lie, homosexuality is a "pathology" and Europe is becoming a "neo-totalitarian" regime, according to one of David Cameron's new European allies.

The Guardian

Homosexuality was a "pathology" undermining the sanctity of the family.

The Guardian

Distilled in a single borough is all the pathology and injustice of the British economic model.

The Guardian

"That was my dream," he says as we set off along the corridors, taking some blood to the pathology labs.

The Guardian

Blood pathology reports aren't returned in a timely manner, which in particular incident left an entire camp exposed to a case of tuberculosis for 44 days.

The Guardian - Opinion

Far from a pathology afflicting individuals, the desire to scream out in pain and isolation under the wobbly sky is a sane response to an insane world.

The Guardian

Will be charged a new co-payment of $7 for each visit a GP or use of out-of-hospital pathology or diagnostic imaging services.

The Guardian

In hospitals (secondary care) patients are investigated exhaustively to exclude pathology with certainty.

The Guardian

In general practice, however (primary care), British GPs are taught to manage uncertainty, and to treat large numbers of patients more quickly based on the likelihood of serious pathology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports or discussions, use "pathology" to maintain a professional and scientific tone when detailing the nature or progression of a disease. For instance, instead of saying "the disease caused X", say "the pathology led to X".

Common error

Avoid using "pathology" when you mean "symptom". "Pathology" refers to the underlying mechanisms of disease, whereas a "symptom" is a manifestation of it. For example, fever is a symptom, while the underlying infection causing it is part of the pathology.

Linguistic Context

The word "pathology" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the scientific study of disease. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in describing the nature, causes, and effects of diseases, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pathology" is correctly used as a noun primarily referring to the scientific study of disease. As validated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical function is accurate, and its communicative purpose centers around providing precise details about disease mechanisms. Predominantly employed in formal and scientific registers, it appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. To enhance writing, remember that "pathology" describes the underlying causes and effects of disease, not the symptoms themselves. Alternatives like "study of disease" or "disease processes" can offer slight variations in emphasis. Overall, "pathology" is a versatile term that maintains a professional tone when discussing the intricacies of disease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

study of disease

Focuses on the academic aspect of investigating diseases.

disease processes

Highlights the mechanisms and progression of diseases.

medical diagnostics

Emphasizes the diagnostic applications within the medical field.

disease analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect of diseases.

etiology of illness

Centers on the causes and origins of illnesses.

morbid anatomy

Specifically refers to the study of anatomical changes due to disease.

histopathology

Refers to the microscopic examination of tissues to diagnose disease.

clinical pathology

Focuses on laboratory medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

abnormal condition

Describes a state deviating from normal health.

sickness

A general term for ill health.

FAQs

How is "pathology" used in medical contexts?

"Pathology" in medicine refers to the study of the causes and effects of diseases. It also describes the medical specialty focused on diagnosing diseases through lab tests and examination of tissues.

What's the difference between "pathology" and disease?

"Disease" is a condition that impairs normal function, while "pathology" is the study of the nature and cause of disease. So, pathology is the study of a disease.

What are some related fields to "pathology"?

Related fields include hematology, microbiology, and forensic pathology, each specializing in different aspects of disease and diagnosis.

Can "pathology" be used outside of medical contexts?

Yes, while primarily a medical term, "pathology" can metaphorically describe any deviation from a healthy or normal state in non-medical contexts, though this usage is less common.