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

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

2

or multifactor

ˌməl-tē-ˈfak-tər 

-ˌtī-

: having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes

a multifactorial approach

multifactor authentication

Ligament damage, particularly in a throwing arm, is a complex, multifactorial process.

—Matt McCarthy

multifactorially

ˌməl-tē-fak-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē 

-ˌtī-

adverb

Examples of multifactorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pursuing weight loss often involves a multifactorial approach, such as a healthy diet, decreased calorie intake, and regular physical activity. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 20 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical 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

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

2

or multifactor

-ˈfak-tər 

: 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

multifactorially

-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

multifactoriality

-ˌtōr-ē-ˈal-ət-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

noun

plural multifactorialities