disease

UK: dɪˈziːz | US: dɪˈziːz

Definition
  1. n. a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms

  2. n. (archaic) lack of ease; discomfort

Structure
dis <absence of>ease <comfort>
Etymology

The word "disease" originates from Middle English disese, combining the prefix dis- (meaning "absence of" or "opposite of") and ease (meaning "comfort" or "freedom from pain"). Originally, it broadly referred to any state of discomfort or unease. Over time, its meaning narrowed to specifically denote a medical condition disrupting normal bodily function. The evolution reflects a shift from general discomfort to a focused medical term, retaining the core idea of "lack of ease."

Examples
  1. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.

  2. The doctor diagnosed her with a rare autoimmune disease.

  3. Poor sanitation can spread infectious diseases.

  4. In medieval times, disease was often attributed to supernatural causes.

  5. Vaccines have eradicated many deadly diseases.