etiology

/iːtɪˈɒlɒdʒi/; /iːtɪˈɒlədʒi/

Definitions

1. noun

The study of the causes and origins of diseases, or the cause or explanation of a particular phenomenon or event.

“The doctor spent years studying the etiology of cancer to find a cure.”

2. noun

A statement of the cause or explanation of a particular phenomenon or event.

“The researcher’s theory on the etiology of the earthquake was widely accepted.”

Synonyms

  • aetiology
  • causation
  • genesis

Antonyms

  • purpose
  • teleology