neuropathy
Meaning of neuropathy: Disease or dysfunction of one or more nerves.
Definition of neuropathy
Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction affecting nerves, often outside the brain and spinal cord. Depending on the nerves involved, it may cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or problems with automatic body functions.
How neuropathy is built
neuro
pathy
neuropathy
- neur/o Combining form · Greek nerve, nervous system
- -pathy Suffix · Greek disease, disorder
A medical term is read from its ending backwards: the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root. See all 223 word parts.
Also known as
peripheral nerve disease
Used in a sentence
The examination showed sensory loss consistent with peripheral neuropathy.
Good to know
Diabetes, injury, infection, autoimmune disease, toxins, and some medicines are among the many possible causes.
Word origin
Where “neuropathy” comes from
From neuro-, “nerve,” and -pathy, “disease.”