Etiology refers to the study of the causes or origins of a disease or condition, while causes refer to the specific factors or events that lead to the development of a disease or condition. In other words, etiology is a broader term that encompasses the various causes of a particular disease or condition. Etiology focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms and pathways that contribute to the development of a disease, while causes refer to the specific triggers or risk factors that can lead to the onset of a disease.