epidemiology

UK: ˌepɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒi | US: ˌepɪˌdiːmiˈɑːlədʒi

Definition

  1. n. The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases in populations.

  2. n. The study of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

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

The word "epidemiology" originates from Greek roots:

  • "epi-" (ἐπί) meaning "upon" or "among,"
  • "demos" (δῆμος) meaning "people" or "population,"
  • "-ology" (from λόγος, "logos") meaning "study of."
    Originally used to describe diseases affecting populations ("upon the people"), the term evolved into a scientific discipline focused on disease patterns and public health. The morphemes reflect a logical progression from "studying what happens among people" to its modern specialized meaning.
Examples

  1. Epidemiology plays a key role in identifying the source of infectious disease outbreaks.

  2. Her research in epidemiology focuses on cancer disparities across socioeconomic groups.

  3. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of epidemiology in global health.

  4. Modern epidemiology combines statistical analysis with field investigations.

  5. John Snow’s cholera studies are foundational to the field of epidemiology.