etiology
UK: ˌiːtiˈɒlədʒi | US: ˌiːtiˈɑːlədʒi
n. The study of causes or origins, especially of diseases.
n. The cause or set of causes of a disease or condition.
etiology = etio<cause> + logy<study of>
- etio<cause>: From Greek aitia (αἰτία), meaning "cause" or "responsibility."
- logy<study of>: From Greek -logia (-λογία), a suffix denoting "the study of" or "discourse about."
Etymology Origin:
The word "etiology" traces back to Greek aitiología (αἰτιολογία), combining aitia (cause) and -logia (study). It entered English via Late Latin etiologia, retaining its focus on causal explanation—particularly in medicine, where it refers to the origins of diseases. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: identifying causes (etio) through systematic study (logy).
The doctor researched the etiology of the rare genetic disorder.
Understanding the etiology of cancer requires multidisciplinary collaboration.
Ancient texts often attributed disease etiology to supernatural forces.
The study’s goal was to clarify the etiology of the outbreak.
Modern etiology combines genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.