diathesis

[ dahy-ath-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural di·ath·e·ses [dahy-, ath, -, uh, -seez].

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

diathesis

/ ˌdaɪəˈθɛtɪk; daɪˈæθɪsɪs /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• diathetic, adjective

Other Words From

• di·a·thet·ic [dahy-, uh, -, thet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diathesis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diathesis¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek: propensity, from diatithenai to dispose, from dia- + tithenai to place

Example Sentences

An increase is also noted in the uric-acid diathesis and in diseases accompanied by respiratory insufficiency.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

After reading de Mussy's argument for the dependence of hay fever on a gouty diathesis, I turned first to the English books.

From Project Gutenberg

Call the old tubercular diathesis a sensitization and you have made it the most modern of modern discoveries.

From Project Gutenberg

With these holiday and lady terms, are we not trying to describe what our ancestors knew as diathesis?

From Project Gutenberg