epiphenomenon

[ ep-uh-fuh-nom-uh-non, -nuhn ]

/ ˌɛp ə fəˈnɒm əˌnɒn, -nən /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of epiphenomenon

First recorded in 1700–10; epi- + phenomenon

OTHER WORDS FROM epiphenomenon

ep·i·phe·nom·e·nal, adjectiveep·i·phe·nom·e·nal·ly, adverb

Words nearby epiphenomenon

Epiphania, epiphanize, epiphany, epipharynx, epiphenomenalism, epiphenomenon, epiphloedal, epiphonema, epiphora, epiphragm, epiphylaxis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use epiphenomenon in a sentence

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
Consciousness in a mere automaton,” writes Professor Lloyd Morgan, “is a useless and unnecessary epiphenomenon.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4|Various
The term "epiphenomenon" has been adopted to express the distinctness but entire dependence of the mind.
The Approach to Philosophy|Ralph Barton Perry
And more than one modern has called it an epiphenomenon—an absurd term.
Tragic Sense Of Life|Miguel de Unamuno

British Dictionary definitions for epiphenomenon

epiphenomenon

/ (ˌɛpɪfɪˈnɒmɪnən) /

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 forms of epiphenomenon

epiphenomenal, 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

Medical definitions for epiphenomenon

epiphenomenon

[ ĕp′ə-fĭ-nŏm′ə-nŏn′ ]

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