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

Her team decided to try low-dose sodium oxybate, after some patients told them their symptoms improved after a few alcoholic drinks.

From BBC

While these symptoms do not constitute a disorder diagnosed as psychosis, they can still be disruptive, distressing or detrimental to functional capacity.

From Science Daily

On the morning he would face USC for the first time, still trying to shake off his symptoms, Foster received a pep talk from his coach.

From Los Angeles Times

While most cases are mild, commonly characterized by conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition.

From Salon

"Within two weeks of the first symptoms, I'd had a full hysterectomy," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• manifestation
• syndrome