What does "pathway" mean?

1. (a physical track) a track or path that people can walk along, often in a garden or park. 2. (a course of action) a plan or series of steps that helps you achieve a specific result. 3. (biochemical process) a series of chemical reactions that happen inside a living thing.

pathway

US //ˈpæθˌweɪ// UK //pˈɑːθweɪ// path·way

1 a physical track (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a track or path that people can walk along, often in a garden or park.

a physical track, footpath, or route designed for pedestrian travel.

Example

A stone pathway leads from the back door down to the small pond.

Example

The landscape architect designed a winding gravel pathway to encourage visitors to explore the more secluded corners of the botanical garden.
2 a course of action (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a plan or series of steps that helps you achieve a specific result.

a metaphorical route or sequence of stages leading to a particular outcome or career goal.

Example

The college offers a clear pathway for students who want to become nurses.

Example

The government is seeking a diplomatic pathway to resolve the conflict without resorting to further economic sanctions.
- dead end

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3 biochemical process (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

a series of chemical reactions that happen inside a living thing.

a sequence of biochemical reactions occurring within a cell, typically involving enzymes and metabolic processes.

Example

Scientists are studying the metabolic pathway that helps the body burn sugar.

Example

Researchers identified a specific signaling pathway that, when inhibited, significantly reduced the rate of tumor growth in the laboratory models.
- chain
- cycle

Origin

From Middle English pathwei, equivalent to path + way. Cognate with German Pfadweg, Afrikaans padweg.