A latent susceptibility to disease which may be activated under certain environmental conditions.
Tendency to be affected by a particular disease or to develop or react in a certain way; it may be genetic or result from environmental factors (e.g., nutritional factors).
A tendency to be affected by a particular disease or kind of disease. Such a tendency may be hereditary or may arise because of such factors as lack of vitamins, food, or sleep.
The potential to develop a certain disease or condition in the presence of specific environmental stimuli.
The state of being vulnerable to illness.