diathesis

American  

[dahy-ath-uh-sis] / daɪˈæθ ə sɪs /

noun

plural

diatheses

1. Pathology. a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or other abnormal state of the body or mind.

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diathesis British  

/ ˌdaɪəˈθɛtɪk, daɪˈæθɪsɪs /

noun

1. a hereditary or acquired susceptibility of the body to one or more diseases

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Other Word Forms

• diathetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diathesis

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek diáthesis arrangement, disposition. See dia-, thesis

Example Sentences

In this model, diathesis represents an individual's genetic predilections; which are mightily affected by other factors, often stress-inducing, in the individual's environment.

From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2017

Of or pertaining to an aneurism; as, an aneurismal tumor; aneurismal diathesis.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

He cites a case illustrative of the extent and uniformity of diathesis in a very numerous family.

From Degeneracy Its Causes, Signs and Results by Talbot, Eugene S.

Diath�esis is the term given in medicine to a constitutional predisposition to a disease; thus uratic diathesis is a tendency to gout; aneurysmal diathesis is an inherent predisposition to aneurysms.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various

This lymphatic diathesis undoubtedly has considerable to do with the sudden deaths which occur in these patients.

From Essays In Pastoral Medicine by ?Malley, Austin