Causing disease or damage to cells, especially when describing how viruses or toxins harm cell structures and function.
From Greek 'kytos' (cell) + 'pathos' (disease/suffering). The suffix '-ic' makes it an adjective meaning 'pertaining to' or 'characterized by disease in cells.'
When virologists see cytopathic effects under a microscope—cells rounding up, dying, or breaking apart—they know they're witnessing a virus at work, which is actually one of the main ways they identify which virus is infecting a patient.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.