epidemiological

UK: ˌepɪˌdiːmiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl | US: ˌepɪˌdiːmiəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in populations

  2. adj. pertaining to the patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in specific groups

Structure
epi <upon>dem <people>iological <study of>
Etymology

The word traces back to Greek roots:

  • "epi-" (ἐπί) means "upon" or "among,"
  • "demos" (δῆμος) refers to "people" or "population,"
  • "-logical" derives from "-logia" (λογία), meaning "study of."
    Originally used in "epidemic" (disease upon people), the suffix "-logical" was later added to formalize the scientific study of disease patterns. The term reflects a shift from describing outbreaks to systematically analyzing their mechanisms.
Examples

  1. The team conducted an epidemiological survey to track the spread of the virus.

  2. Epidemiological data revealed a correlation between smoking and lung cancer.

  3. Her research focuses on the epidemiological factors influencing childhood obesity.

  4. Public health policies often rely on epidemiological studies for evidence-based decisions.

  5. The journal published a groundbreaking paper on epidemiological modeling.