Reading Theme:
Pathology Definition: Medical & Psychological Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：study of diseases (pathology)
pathology
/pəˈθɑlədʒi/
n.
The study of why and how diseases happen and affect the body.
study of diseases
➕
/ˈstʌdi əv ˈdɪziːz/
n.
The scientific field dedicated to investigating the origins, development, and consequences of diseases.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'pathos' (suffering) and '-logy' (study).
💡 Mnemonic
Path (disease path) + ology (study) = study of disease paths.
📖 Example
In medical school, she developed a keen interest in pathology, hoping to uncover the mysteries behind complex cancers.
During her medical education, she grew deeply interested in pathology, aiming to solve the puzzles of intricate cancers.
🔗 Collocations
clinical pathology – the branch of pathology dealing with laboratory analysis of bodily fluids and tissues for diagnosis
pathological examination – the detailed analysis of tissues or cells to detect disease
pathology report – a document detailing the findings from a pathological examination
🔄 Synonyms
disease study (n.) – the investigation of illnesses and their effects
morbid anatomy (n.) – the study of structural changes in tissues due to disease
pathophysiology (n.) – the study of disordered physiological processes associated with disease
🌱 Derivatives
pathological (adj.) – relating to or caused by disease
pathologist (n.) – a specialist in the study of diseases
📖 Cultural Story
Pathology derives from Greek 'pathos' (suffering) and '-logia' (study). It entered English in the 16th century to denote the study of diseases, later extended to abnormal behaviors.
Meaning 2：abnormal behavior (pathology)
pathology
/pəˈθɑlədʒi/
n.
An unhealthy or extreme way of behaving or thinking.
abnormal behavior
➕
/æbˈnɔːrməl bɪˈheɪvjər/
n.
A pattern of thought or action that is deviant, harmful, and indicative of mental or emotional disorder.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His compulsive hoarding had gone beyond a simple habit and was now considered a serious pathology that needed professional help.
His compulsive collecting had escalated from a mere habit to a severe pathology requiring therapeutic intervention.
🔗 Collocations
social pathology – deviant behaviors or conditions that harm societal functioning
pathological liar – a person who habitually tells lies without remorse
behavioral pathology – abnormal actions stemming from psychological issues
🔄 Synonyms
disorder (n.) – a disruption of normal physical or mental functions
dysfunction (n.) – abnormal or impaired functioning
malady (n.) – a disease or ailment, often used metaphorically for behavioral issues
🚫 Antonyms
normality (n.) – the state of being normal or typical
🌱 Derivatives
pathological (adj.) – relating to or caused by disease; also used for extreme behaviors
pathologist (n.) – a specialist in the study of diseases or abnormal conditions
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