epiphenomenon

[ ep-uh-fuh-nom-uh-non, -nuhn ]

noun

, plural ep·i·phe·nom·e·na [ep-, uh, -f, uh, -, nom, -, uh, -n, uh], ep·i·phe·nom·e·nons.

1. Pathology. a secondary or additional symptom or complication arising during the course of a disease.
2. any secondary phenomenon.

epiphenomenon

/ ˌɛpɪfɪˈnɒmɪnən /

noun

1. a secondary or additional phenomenon; by-product
2. pathol an unexpected or atypical symptom or occurrence during the course of a disease

Derived Forms

• ˌepipheˈnomenal, adjective
• ˌepipheˈnomenally, adverb

Other Words From

• epi·phe·nome·nal adjective
• epi·phe·nome·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiphenomenon¹

First recorded in 1700–10; epi- + phenomenon

Example Sentences

But some demon prompted me to inquire of my father the meaning of the term “epiphenomenon.”

From Project Gutenberg

Consciousness in a mere automaton,” writes Professor Lloyd Morgan, “is a useless and unnecessary epiphenomenon.

From Project Gutenberg

The term "epiphenomenon" has been adopted to express the distinctness but entire dependence of the mind.

From Project Gutenberg

And more than one modern has called it an epiphenomenon—an absurd term.

From Project Gutenberg