prodrome

[ proh-drohm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an early symptom that signals the onset of an illness or disease; a symptom or series of symptoms that precedes the more obvious, diagnosable symptoms that develop along with the condition:

   A bout of headaches and/or fatigue is not an unusual prodrome of Lyme disease.

prodrome

/ ˈprəʊdrəʊm; prəʊˈdrɒmɪk /

noun

1. med any symptom that signals the impending onset of a disease

Derived Forms

• proˈdromal, adjective

Other Words From

• prod·ro·mal [proh-, droh, -m, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodrome¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from French, from New Latin prodromus, noun use of Greek pródromos “running before”; pro- ², -drome

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodrome¹

C19: via French from New Latin prodromus, from Greek prodromos forerunner, from pro- ² + dramein to run

Example Sentences

“There’s a term in communications, ‘prodrome,’ ” she said.

From Seattle Times

"While we're not suggesting that these conditions alone can be a predictor of MS, they may be one piece of the MS prodrome puzzle and a potential signal when combined with other factors."

From Science Daily

If you often get food cravings before migraine headaches, it’s still a good idea to take note of them, along with other prodrome phase symptoms, so you can prepare for what’s coming.

From New York Times

In about half of people with FMF, episodes are preceded by milder symptoms called a prodrome, that feeling of impending illness Sank repeatedly experienced.

From Washington Post

So she found herself doing just the opposite — consuming more simple carbohydrates like juice and candy when she felt the strange sensation she’d come to recognize as the prodrome to these attacks.

From New York Times