chronic fatigue syndrome

American  

noun

1. a viral disease of the immune system, usually characterized by debilitating fatigue and flu-like symptoms.

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chronic fatigue syndrome British  

noun

1.  CFS.  another name for myalgic encephalopathy

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chronic fatigue syndrome Scientific  

1. A syndrome characterized by debilitating fatigue and a combination of flulike symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, low-grade fever, headache, and muscle pain or weakness. The cause is unknown.

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chronic fatigue syndrome Cultural  

1. A condition characterized by fatigue over an extended period, sometimes accompanied by neurologic abnormalities. The cause of this syndrome is unknown.

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Etymology

Origin of chronic fatigue syndrome

First recorded in 1988

Example Sentences

Results showed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome took in roughly the same amount of oxygen as the control group -- their peak VO2 max was similar.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

Among the most common co-occurring illnesses were chronic fatigue syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome, or MCAS, a condition where patients experience intense episodes of diarrhea, hives, vomiting, and, in many cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis attacks.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

It was reported that she suffered from a debilitating infection known as the Epstein Barr virus, and from the chronic fatigue syndrome, ME.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2025

It is similar to chronic fatigue syndrome and can range from mild to debilitating.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

By giving the condition a name like "lymphoma" or "melanoma", "chronic fatigue syndrome" "Epstein-Barr syndrome" or "AIDS," "systemic yeast infection", "hepatitis" or what have, people think the doctor then understands their disease.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve