multifactorial
adjective
mul·ti·fac·to·ri·al
ˌməl-tē-fak-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 
-ˌtī-
1
: caused or marked by a polygenic mode of inheritance dependent on a number of genes at different loci
The essence of multifactorial (polygenic) inheritance is that a single component of the phenotype (a single character) can be controlled by several independent gene loci.—
Ernst Mayr
Ernst Mayr
also
: caused by or dependent on the interaction of multiple genes combined with one or more environmental factors
Breast cancer is what scientists call "multifactorial" in that a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role. —Francesca Lyman
Francesca Lyman 2
or multifactor
ˌməl-tē-ˈfak-tər
: having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes
-ˌtī-
a multifactorial approach
multifactor authentication
Ligament damage, particularly in a throwing arm, is a complex, multifactorial process.—Matt McCarthy
Matt McCarthyExamples of multifactorial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These can bear long-term consequences, as communities hardest hit by floods may take extended periods of time to recover from the multifactorial contributors to food insecurity.
—Henna Hundal, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Currently, the treatment of muscle wasting remains complex, as the cause varies greatly from person to person and may be multifactorial.
—Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
This supports the opinion that ALS has multifactorial causes and that genetic testing should be routinely offered as a standard of care.
—Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 6 July 2024
Obstructive sleep apnea is a multifactorial problem, so there are multiple things that need to be addressed.
—Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024
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Henna Hundal, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Currently, the treatment of muscle wasting remains complex, as the cause varies greatly from person to person and may be multifactorial.
—Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
This supports the opinion that ALS has multifactorial causes and that genetic testing should be routinely offered as a standard of care.
—Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 6 July 2024
Obstructive sleep apnea is a multifactorial problem, so there are multiple things that need to be addressed.
—Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for multifactorial
Dictionary Entries Near multifactorial
Cite this Entry
“Multifactorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multifactorial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
multifactorial
adjective
mul·ti·fac·to·ri·al
-fak-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-
1
: caused or marked by a polygenic mode of inheritance dependent on a number of genes at different loci
The essence of multifactorial (polygenic) inheritance is that a single component of the phenotype (a single character) can be controlled by several independent gene loci.—Ernst Mayr
Ernst Mayr
also
: caused by or dependent on the interaction of multiple genes combined with one or more environmental factors
Breast cancer is what scientists call "multifactorial" in that a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role. —Francesca Lyman
Francesca Lyman 2
or multifactor
: having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes
a multifactorial study
a disease with a multifactorial etiology
Ligament damage, particularly in a throwing arm, is a complex, multifactorial process.—Matt McCarthy
Matt McCarthyLove words? Need even more definitions?
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