The word "specific cause" is spelled /spɪˈsɪfɪk kɔːz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by an "s" sound and a long "e" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and an "f" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a "k" sound, an "o" sound, and a "z" sound. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the term, which refers to a particular reason or factor that brings about a particular event or outcome.
A "specific cause" refers to a particular factor or event that is responsible for a particular outcome or result. It is a term commonly used in various disciplines, including sciences, law, and social sciences, to identify the singular or precise reason behind an effect or consequence.
In scientific contexts, a specific cause is typically linked to the principle of causality, which assumes that every effect has a specific cause or set of causes. It implies the existence of a direct and observable relationship between the cause and its specific effect. For example, in medical research, a specific cause of a disease may be identified as a particular virus, genetic mutation, or environmental factor that is directly responsible for triggering the illness in an individual or population.
In legal proceedings, specifically identifying the cause of an accident or crime is of utmost importance to determine liability or responsibility. A specific cause in this context may pertain to, for instance, a mechanical failure, negligence, or intentional act that led to the occurrence of the incident.
Similarly, social scientists use the concept of specific cause to analyze and understand the reasons behind particular social phenomena or events. For example, poverty can be considered a specific cause of crime when studying the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and criminal behavior.
Overall, a specific cause is a distinct factor or event that can be attributed as the main reason or explanation for a particular outcome or result within a specific context.
One the action of which produces only the one definite disease; such is the pathogenic microbe of diphtheria, tuberculosis, or tetanus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "specific" traces back to the Latin word "specificus", which is derived from "species" meaning "kind" or "type", and "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do". In Latin, "specificus" referred to something that was distinctive, particular, or pertaining to a species or kind.
The word "cause" originated from the Latin word "causa", meaning "reason" or "motive". It is linked to the Greek word "aitia", which also means "cause" or "reason". Over time, "cause" developed in English to describe the factor or event that produces an effect or result, or the reason behind an action.
The combination of "specific" and "cause" gives rise to the term "specific cause", which generally refers to a particular reason or factor responsible for a given outcome or phenomenon.