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
Researchers and clinicians say the causes are likely multifactorial, involving both biological and environmental influences.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition, rooted largely in genetics.
—Alice Kuo and Emily Hotez, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Type 2 diabetes is considered a multifactorial disease (having many contributing factors).
—Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
Treatment requires a multifactorial approach, and the ideal plan is always individualized ...
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition, rooted largely in genetics.
—Alice Kuo and Emily Hotez, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Type 2 diabetes is considered a multifactorial disease (having many contributing factors).
—Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
Treatment requires a multifactorial approach, and the ideal plan is always individualized ...
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for multifactorial
Cite this Entry
“Multifactorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multifactorial. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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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