The word "pathophoric" is spelled with a "ph" instead of an "f" because it comes from the Greek root "pathos," meaning suffering or disease. In English, this root is usually spelled with an "f," but when combined with the prefix "phoro," meaning carrying or bearing, it becomes "phoric." The IPA phonetic transcription for "pathophoric" is /pəˈθɒfərɪk/, where the stress falls on the second syllable and the "ph" is pronounced as the voiceless labial fricative sound /f/.
Disease carrying, noting certain genera of mosquitos and other disease transmitting insects.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pathophoric" is not widely recognized or found in reputable dictionaries. It does not have a well-established etymology or origins. However, by breaking down the word into its components, we can make an educated guess.
The term "patho-" is derived from the Greek word "pathos", meaning suffering or disease. It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to indicate a pathological or abnormal condition.
On the other hand, the suffix "-phoric" originates from the Greek word "phoros", which means "bearing" or "to carry". It is often used as a suffix in scientific terminology to denote something that carries or transfers a specific characteristic or quality.
Therefore, based on the parts of the word, "pathophoric" could potentially be interpreted as something that bears or carries a pathological or disease-related quality or condition.