or  eti*o*log*i*cal  or chiefly Brit  ae*ti*o*log*ic  or  ae*ti*o*log*i*cal  adj 1  :  of, relating to, or based on etiology < treatment of a disease seeks to remove or correct its cause>  < investigations>   2  :  causing or contributing to the cause of a disease or condition <smoking is an factor in the production of arteriosclerosis -F. A. Faught>  <the suggestion of an connection between the convulsions and syphilis -R. L. Cecil & R. F. Loeb>  eti*o*log*i*cal*ly or chiefly Brit  ae*ti*o*log*i*cal*ly  adv 
 
 
 
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