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epiphenomenon

[ep-uh-fuh-nom-uh-non, -nuh n]
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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.
  1. Pathology. a secondary or additional symptom or complication arising during the course of a disease.
  2. any secondary phenomenon.
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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. 2018

Examples from the Web for epiphenomenon

Historical Examples

  • 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.”

British Dictionary definitions for epiphenomenon

epiphenomenon

noun plural -na (-nə)
  1. a secondary or additional phenomenon; by-product
  2. pathol an unexpected or atypical symptom or occurrence during the course of a disease
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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

n.

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
epiphenomenon in Medicine

epiphenomenon

(ĕp′ə-fĭ-nŏm′ə-nŏn′)
n.
  1. An additional condition or symptom in the course of a disease, not necessarily connected with the disease.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.