symptom

[ simp-tuhm ]

noun

1. any phenomenon or circumstance accompanying something and serving as evidence of it.
2. a sign or indication of something.

   Synonyms: mark, token, signal

3. Pathology. a phenomenon that arises from and accompanies a particular disease or disorder and serves as an indication of it.

symptom

/ ˈsɪmptəm /

noun

1. med any sensation or change in bodily function experienced by a patient that is associated with a particular disease Compare sign
2. any phenomenon or circumstance accompanying something and regarded as evidence of its existence; indication

symptom

/ sĭm′təm /

1. A subjective indication of a disorder or disease, such as pain, nausea or weakness. Symptoms may be accompanied by objective signs of disease such as abnormal laboratory test results or findings during a physical examination.
2. Compare sign

Derived Forms

• ˈsymptomless, adjective

Other Words From

• pre·symptom noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of symptom¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin symptōma < Greek sýmptōma occurrence, that which falls together with something, equivalent to sym- sym- + ptō- (variant stem of píptein to fall) + -ma noun suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of symptom¹

C16: from Late Latin symptōma, from Greek sumptōma chance, from sumpiptein to occur, from syn- + piptein to fall

Example Sentences

The Queen did not attend the Royal Variety Performance with the King on 22 November after the Palace announced she would not be joining him following "lingering post-viral" symptoms from the chest infection.

From BBC

Emulsifiers have been linked to numerous gut symptoms.

From Salon

This causes neuropathy - nerve damage - in his feet, among other symptoms.

From BBC

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has talked about a proposal to give wearables to millions of NHS patients in England, enabling them to track symptoms such as reactions to cancer treatments, from home.

From BBC

Researchers at Uppsala University have analysed the effects of seven different hormone treatments for menopausal symptoms on the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• manifestation
• syndrome