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

(Greek: feeling, sensation, perception; suffering, disease, or disorder; a system of treating diseases)

In medicine, some of these elements usually mean "someone who suffers from a disease of, or one who treats a disease"; so, they should not be confused with the words that mean "feeling" which are also shown on these pages even though both meanings come from the same Greek element.

enteropathogen (s) (noun), enteropathogens (pl)
An organism capable of producing a disease in the intestinal tract: Since Judy's cat was having pains, she took it to the vet who discovered that an enteropathogen was causing the difficulties in its intestines, and told Judy to give it a certain medication to cure the illness.
enteropathogenesis (s) (noun) (no pl)
The production of diseases or disorders of the intestines: In medical school, Tony had to learn about enteropathogenesis and the different causes of such intestinal infections.
enteropathogenic (adjective), more enteropathogenic, most enteropathogenic
Concerning disorders of the intestinal tract: There are certain bacteria that are enteropathogenic and cause much discomfort in the abdominal region of the patient.
enteropathy (s) (noun), enteropathies (pl)
A disease of the intestines: Enteropathy occurs most often in the small intestine and particularly in individuals who are predisposed to gluten intolerance.
enthesopathy (s) (noun), enthesopathies (pl)
A disease located at the bone attachments: Enthesopathy is a disorder at the site of the insertion of muscle tendons and ligaments into bones or joint capsules.
entomopathogenic (adjective), more entomopathogenic, most entomopathogenic
In biology, pertaining to the cause of a disease or diseases in insects: Sharon was very interested in all kinds of insects and finally found out more information regarding the entomopathogenic reasons for so many insects dying that year.
enzymopathy (s) (noun), enzymopathies (pl)
Any disturbance in the function of an enzyme: Enzymopathy, or a disorder of its activity, can be exemplified by a generic deficiency of a specific protein molecule in a person.
ependymopathy (s) (noun), ependymopathies (pl)
A disease of the thin epithelial membrane coating the ventricles (cavities) of the brain and the spinal cord canal ependyma (covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including the lining of vessels and other small cavities): Ependymopathy is a disorder of the chambers of the brain or spinal cord canals (tubes).
erythropathy (s) (noun), erythropathies (pl)
In pathology, an illness connected with the impairment of the bone marrow, or erythroblasts: The cells in the fatty connective tissues filling the cavities in old Mrs. Smith's bones were infected and sick, and Dr. Green told her that this ailment was termed erythropathy
etiopathological (adjective) (not comparable)
A reference to research in the causes of an abnormal illness: In the lab at the clinic, etiopathologica studies were in progress concerning certain lesions caused by an unknown disease.
etiopathology (s) (noun), etiopathologies (pl)
Pathogenesis or the mechanisms involved in the causes and developments of a disease: As part of her medical studies, Lois took a course in etiopathology in order to learn more about the origins of illnesses or malformations of a human being.
etiopathy (s) (noun), etiopathies (pl)
The determination of the cause of a disease: Dr. Black held courses in etiopathy regarding the origins of certain rare illnesses and disorders of the human body.
eupathic (adjective), more eupathic, most eupathic
Regarding a condition of contentment: A happy and eupathic feeling came over Mary when she finally arrived home safely after a wonderful visit with her family.
eupathy (s) (noun), eupathies (pl)
A happy condition of the soul: Virginia experienced eupathy and had a good feeling each time she heard from her daughter that she was happy, healthy, and doing well in her university studies in Hamburg.
exopathic (adjective) (not comparable)
In pathology, concerning infective or pathogenic factors which are outside the organism: Tom noted that the causes of the disease were exopathic and not autopathic, which would mean that the causes originated within the body.

Quiz You can find self-scoring quizzes over many of the words in this subject area by going to this Vocabulary Quizzes page.