pathogenesis
n. uncountablen. the process by which a disease develops in the body. It describes how a harmful germ or virus causes illness and how the body reacts to it.
n. the biological process by which a disease develops, including the mechanisms by which a pathogen causes cellular damage and triggers an immune response.
Scientists are studying the pathogenesis of the new virus.
Understanding the pathogenesis of the infection helps doctors choose the most effective treatment for their patients.
The textbook provides a detailed overview of the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, explaining how the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissue as a foreign invader.
From patho- + -genesis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 25, 2026