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
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
While the reasons for this are multifactorial and still not fully understood, what has become painfully clear is that women need to be proactive in taking control of their own breast health, insisting upon early detection measures that could have a profound impact on their health trajectory.
—Clare Dougherty, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for 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
While the reasons for this are multifactorial and still not fully understood, what has become painfully clear is that women need to be proactive in taking control of their own breast health, insisting upon early detection measures that could have a profound impact on their health trajectory.
—Clare Dougherty, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for multifactorial
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multifactorial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Multifactorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multifactorial. Accessed 20 Aug. 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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