epiphenomenon

[ep-uh-fuh-nom-uh-non, -nuh n]

noun, plural ep·i·phe·nom·e·na [ep-uh-fuh-nom-uh-nuh] /ˌɛp ə fəˈnɒm ə nə/, ep·i·phe·nom·e·nons.

Pathology. a secondary or additional symptom or complication arising during the course of a disease.

any secondary phenomenon.

Origin of epiphenomenon

First recorded in 1700–10; epi- + phenomenon

Related formsep·i·phe·nom·e·nal, adjectiveep·i·phe·nom·e·nal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epiphenomenal

Historical Examples of epiphenomenal

This is the thesis of the epiphenomenal consciousness which Huxley has boldly carried to its uttermost conclusions.
The Mind and the Brain
Alfred Binet

British Dictionary definitions for epiphenomenal

epiphenomenon

noun plural -na (-nə)

a secondary or additional phenomenon; by-product

pathol an unexpected or atypical symptom or occurrence during the course of a disease

Derived Formsepiphenomenal, adjectiveepiphenomenally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for epiphenomenal

epiphenomenon

1706, "secondary symptom," from epi- + phenomenon. Plural is epiphenomena. Related: Epiphenomenal.

epiphenomenal in Medicine

epiphenomenon

[ĕp′ə-fĭ-nŏm′ə-nŏn′]

n.

An additional condition or symptom in the course of a disease, not necessarily connected with the disease.