epidemiology
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˌɛpəˌdɛmiˈɑɫədʒi// UK //ˌɛpɪdˌɛmɪˈɒlədʒi// epi·demi·ol·o·gy
n. the study of how diseases spread and how to control them in large groups of people.
n. the branch of medicine dealing with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.
She decided to study epidemiology to help prevent future pandemics.
Advances in epidemiology allow health officials to track the source of food poisoning outbreaks within hours.
Modern epidemiology relies heavily on statistical modeling to predict how a virus might mutate as it moves through a population with varying levels of immunity.
From Late Latin epidemia + -logy. See epidemic for more.
Usage
Often used in academic or medical contexts; frequently paired with 'field of' or 'study of'.