The word “disease” comes from the Old French term “desaise” which means “lack, want; discomfort, distress; trouble, misfortune; disease, sickness,” reflecting a state of discomfort. This Old French term is composed of two parts: “des-” meaning “without, away” and “aise” meaning “ease, pleasure, well-being.” Therefore, “disease” originally described a condition of being without ease or comfort, which over time became specifically associated with medical conditions causing physical or mental discomfort.