functional disease

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease in which there is an abnormal change in the function of an organ, but no structural alteration in the tissues involved ( organic disease ).

functional disease

noun

1. a disease in which there is no observable change in the structure of an organ or part Compare organic disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of functional disease¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Epilepsy, ep′i-lep-si, n. a chronic functional disease of the nervous system, manifested by recurring attacks of sudden insensibility or impairment of consciousness, commonly accompanied by peculiar convulsive seizures.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

There can be no doubt that the existence of even such functional disease of the brain as may cause insanity, tend to shorten life in the vast majority of persons so affected, while the lack of care and treatment, and too often long-time neglect and abuse formerly prevalent among the insane, served to shorten the period of life still more.

From Project Gutenberg

Being ignorant of diagnosis, the Christian Scientist is not aware of this fact and supposes that he is treating, not a selected group of cases of functional disease, but all disease.

From Project Gutenberg

By organic disease is meant one that causes serious, perhaps permanent deterioration of the tissues of the body; by functional disease is meant one due to a perverted action of approximately normal organs.

From Project Gutenberg

Here we have what might be called organic disease produced by functional disease, and such organic disease as this is often cured by Christian Science or by some more rational method of mental healing.

From Project Gutenberg