recurrent

[ ri-kur-uhnt, -kuhr- ]

adjective

1. that recurs; occurring or appearing again, especially repeatedly or periodically.

   Synonyms: intermittent, persistent, repeated

2. Anatomy. turned back so as to run in a reverse direction, as a nerve, artery, branch, etc.

recurrent

/ rɪˈkʌrənt /

adjective

1. happening or tending to happen again or repeatedly
2. anatomy (of certain nerves, branches of vessels, etc) turning back, so as to run in the opposite direction

Derived Forms

• reˈcurrence, noun
• reˈcurrently, adverb

Other Words From

• re·current·ly adverb
• unre·current adjective
• unre·current·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of recurrent¹

1590–1600; < Latin recurrent- (stem of recurrēns ), present participle of recurrere to run back, equivalent to recurr ( ere ) ( recur ) + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

Adults with recurrent headaches felt better after three months of drinking more water.

From Science Daily

Over the years, Rasoulof, 52, had been a recurrent target of Iranian authorities because of the content of his movies, which denounce the Islamic government’s violent repression, permeating all aspects of life for its citizens.

From Los Angeles Times

The genetic condition can cause serious medical complications such as spinal cord compression, sleep apnoea, bowed legs, narrowing of the spinal canal and recurrent ear infections.

From Science Daily

A later resolution further requested the commission to “investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity.”

From Salon

Her mum, Natalie, had been in contact with a mental health team and was diagnosed with recurrent anxiety/depression and cyclothymia, a mental and behavioural disorder.

From BBC

Related Words

• frequent
• intermittent
• periodic
• recurring
• repeated
• repetitive