pathology
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pathology
A medical specialty concerned with the study and diagnosis of diseases through the examination of tissue samples, body fluids, and whole bodies (autopsy).
Die Gewebeprobe wurde zur genauen Untersuchung in die Pathologie geschickt.
The tissue sample was sent to pathology for detailed examination.
The adjective for this noun is 'pathologisch' (pathological). It means 'krankhaft' (pathological/morbid) and is used both in medicine and figuratively for abnormal developments.
Sein Verhalten zeigt pathologische Züge.
His behavior shows pathological traits.
'Pathologie' (pathology) is a technical term from medicine. The figurative meaning for social or political problems is also mainly used in formal, academic, or journalistic texts.
Der Artikel beschreibt die Pathologie moderner Gesellschaften.
The article describes the pathology of modern societies.
Whether the medical specialty (meaning 1) or the hospital department (meaning 2) is meant can often be recognized from the preposition. 'In der Pathologie' (in the pathology department) usually describes the place, while the specialty is often mentioned without an article or with verbs like 'studieren' (to study).
Die Proben werden in der Pathologie analysiert.
The samples are analyzed in the pathology department.
In the figurative meaning, 'Pathologie' (pathology) is often combined with a genitive to describe what is considered pathological. Typical examples are 'die Pathologie eines Systems' (the pathology of a system), 'einer Gesellschaft' (of a society), or 'einer Beziehung' (of a relationship).
Das Buch analysiert die Pathologie der Macht.
The book analyzes the pathology of power.
disruption / disorder
'die Störung' and 'die Pathologie' can both describe something pathological or abnormal. 'Störung' is the much more normal word, especially when referring to physical or mental functions, for example 'eine Schlafstörung' (a sleep disorder). 'Pathologie' sounds much more technical and is often used in medicine or in very elevated texts. In a figurative sense, 'Pathologie' more often means a pathological development in an entire system, for example in society. In everyday language, 'Störung' is usually more natural; 'Pathologie' fits better in specialist texts or in a very fundamental analysis.
Der Bericht beschreibt eine Pathologie im politischen System.
The report describes a pathology in the political system.
Nach dem Unfall hatte Paul eine Störung beim Gleichgewicht.
After the accident, Paul had a balance disorder.