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 epiphenomenon

Historical Examples of epiphenomenon

And more than one modern has called it an epiphenomenon—an absurd term.
Tragic Sense Of Life
Miguel de Unamuno
The term "epiphenomenon" has been adopted to express the distinctness but entire dependence of the mind.
The Approach to Philosophy
Ralph Barton Perry
But some demon prompted me to inquire of my father the meaning of the term “epiphenomenon.”
The Jessica Letters: An Editor's Romance
Paul Elmer More

British Dictionary definitions for epiphenomenon

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 epiphenomenon

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

epiphenomenon 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.