pathologist
UK: pəˈθɒlədʒɪst | US: pəˈθɑːlədʒɪst
n. a medical specialist who studies diseases by examining tissues, organs, or bodily fluids
n. a scientist who investigates the causes and effects of diseases
pathologist = patho<disease, suffering> + log<study, science> + ist<person who practices>
- patho: From Greek pathos (suffering, disease). Retains the core meaning of "disease" in modern usage.
- log: From Greek -logia (study, discourse). Refers to a field of study or science.
- ist: Suffix denoting a person who specializes in a particular field.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek pathos (suffering) + -logia (study), combining to form pathologia (study of suffering/disease). The suffix -ist was later added in English to denote a practitioner. The term reflects the profession's focus on diagnosing disease through scientific analysis.
The pathologist examined the tissue sample under a microscope.
She consulted a pathologist to understand the cause of her symptoms.
Forensic pathologists play a key role in criminal investigations.
The hospital hired a new pathologist to expand its diagnostic team.
His research as a pathologist contributed to breakthroughs in cancer detection.