path-, patho-, -path-, -pathia, -pathic, -pathology, -pathetic, -pathize, -pathy

Someone who uses therapeutic manipulation of joints, ligaments, or muscles: Jack's aunt was a naprapath who applied a treatment based on the theory that morbid symptoms were dependent upon strained or contracted ligaments.

A branch of alternative medicine based on the theory that disease or illness is caused by strained ligaments and other problems of connective tissue can be treated by massage: Naprapathy is a system of therapeutic manipulation based on the belief that diseases or ailments are dependent upon strained or contracted ligaments in the spine, thorax, or pelvis.

A type of alternative medicine: Naturopath is based on the principle that illnesses can be treated, cured, or prevented without using any drugs or surgery, but by the use of water, herbs, and air, along with therapy using physical means.

Relating to a form of treatment using natural means: Clifford's mother believed in naturopathic methods when she felt ill, like drinking only special herbal teas and getting lots of fresh air.

A drugless system of therapy: Naturopathy makes use of physical forces such as air, light, water, heat, massage, etc. and avoids the use of surgery and some types of medication.

A condition or disease process principally characterized by decaying tissue gangrene: Necropathy can occur when there is no longer a supply of blood to that part of the body.

A new or newly discovered disease: Anita complained about her hand hurting, and since the doctor could not diagnose it, he named it a neopathy, some ailment he had never seen or heard about before!

In pathology, a diseased or abnormality of the kidneys; nephropathy: There are different kinds of nephropathias and among them are cystinosis, glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, and polycystic kidney disease.

Concerning a kidney ailment: Dr. Todd informed Jack that he had a nephropathic condition that should be taken seriously, and that he mustn't drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke at all anymore.

An irregularity or diesease of the kidneys: Susan read that a long subjection or vulnerability to lead can result in nephropathy, or a malfunction of the kidneys.

Any disease of body parts that are associated with the loss of sensation or feelings in the bone connections: The diagnosis which Dr. Jones presented to Jim, the ball player, was neuroarthropathy which meant that he would be unable to feel pain in his finger joints if the baseball hit them.

A disorder of a muscle resulting from a disorder of its nerve supply; myoneuropathy: Neuromyopathy may occur as a simultaneous ailment of nerves and muscles or from accumulated toxicity.

A disorder, often toxic, of the neurons: Neuronopathy is a type of polyneuropathy that concerns a number of peripheral nerves that have been damaged.

Pertaining to an organic or functional disorder of the nervous system: Mrs. Jackson knew that a neuropathic condition of her fingertips, toes, or even of the retinas could arise because she had diabetes for a long time.

The terms "neurotic" and "psychogenic" are usually preferred by many psychologists instead of neuropathic for functional disorders.

A branch of medicine that is concerned with diseases of the nervous system: Dr. Mason was one of the scientists in the department of neuropathology that dealt with several disorders related to the nerves, such as brain or spinal cord tumors, carpal tunnel syndromes, and Bell's palsy among others.